Hi there, have you gotten started on your cupboard/wardrobe project? My cupboards in my kitchen are actually just made from MDF (medium-density fiberboard) with a wood veneer on them, and I'm very happy with them; they came with my place -- photo attached. My understanding of the best woods are that it's really up to your budget. Solid wood cabinets are much more expensive than anything MDF with a veneer. If you just want to paint them, I'm sure you could use most any solid hardwood. But for staining, my favorite woods to see stained, because their grain is so gorgeous, are Walnut and Oak, for sure.

First you need to decide what type of canbinet you plan on building, I.e., face frame or frameless, this will influence your choice of material. Second you need to decide if indoor air quality is a selection criteria. Is so then you will want to source materials with no added urea formaldehyde. If painting is a criteria, then solid maple is your best bet, however, if you are in an area (or room) with high humidity and you are considering a recessed panel door, consider using a maple veneer for the panel so that the paint does not crack as a result of natural movement in the wood during the change of the seasons/humidity. As for stains, cherry, alder, oak take stain well.

Thanks for the advice. We decided to go for pine. Of course, then we faced the dilemma of whether to paint or stain. On the advice of local workmen, we decided to go for white gloss paint as apparently with the very high humidity here, varnished wood tends to attract mould. Also, we felt that the white cupboards would brighten up the rooms and they do. Shall post pics when the work is completed.