Faced with a tight U.S. housing market, many people are looking to improve the looks, comfort, and value of homes they might otherwise sell. Renovating with hardwood is an excellent way of achieving these goals: “Beautifully milled and finished hardwood provides a unique range of colors and textures that no other material truly matches,” says Linda Jovanovich, Executive Vice President of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association. “And of course, wood is amazingly durable. Improvements like new oak flooring, walnut paneling, maple built-ins, or cherry moldings are not only stylish but also long-lasting additions to any residence.” Here are six hardwood upgrades worth considering for your home.

Install hardwood molding and trimwork

Photograph by Susan Gilmore

Decorative millwork can turn bland interiors into memorable spaces. Minnesota–based architect Meriwether Felt installed stained-cherry moldings, trims, and casings in this master bath renovation: “The stained wood warms up the bathroom and provides richness. The client asked for a luxurious yet elegant feeling, and cherry fit the bill perfectly.”

Replace interior doors with solid-hardwood styles

Photograph by Matt Silk

Many American homes feature painted hollow-core interior doors that don’t stand up well to wear and tear. Replacing them with well-constructed, solid-hardwood models, like the crisply tailored stained-oak closet doors that Ink Architecture & Design installed in this serene bedroom, can help transform tired, nondescript spaces into handsome show places.

Refresh your kitchen with hardwood cabinetry

Photograph by Henrybuilt

Kitchen makeovers are a very popular home improvement, with new hardwood cabinetry at the top of the list. Created by Henrybuilt kitchen systems for a luxury condominium development in New York City, these solid walnut cabinets are simple and elegant, allowing the natural beauty of the millwork to take center stage.