I'd head over to the kitchen forum and dig around. Cabinet types have been discussed there a long time, as well as many many pictures posted.

Cabinets depend on type of construction, door style and finish materials, for example, stained, painted or some other finish. The wood should match the desired construction appearance and finish.

For example, in a flush overlay construction, one cannot see the base cabinets, only the doors. Thus, it matters little what the boxes behind the doors are made from.

As to finishes, if all of the trim in your house will be painted, you may want painted cabinets and vice-versa.

Kitchen forum is a good resource.

thanks ya'll! I will look there!

Birch for painting, oak for a clear finish.