I love the look of natural wood, but lumber is expensive, and maple is
what I've got. Besides, my wife is very picky when it comes to the
color of her kitchen cabinets. I don't really have the option of
trying out a bunch of different wood types, finishing them all, and
allowing them all to age to a final color.

If it makes you feel any better, the cabinets I'm replacing are painted
maple. What a travesty!