Wood Type

The Beauty of Wood: We utilize both solid and veneered wood materials in our products. Due to normal variations in the density and graining of wood itself, the same stain applied to another piece of the same wood specie may result in a somewhat different appearance. This variation can be greater when comparing solid wood to veneers. Additionally, wood species in all finishes will exhibit color changes when exposed to all types of light (natural and man-made). It is the general nature of wood to darken over time. Natural aging is not hindered by the finishing process. Color variations are also caused by the assortment of minerals found in the earth in which the tree was grown. The level of mineral absorption will vary in a given piece of wood. All wood species will exhibit the following attributes: sap runs, knots and pinholes. These characteristics will occur in varying degrees dependent upon the type of wood specie selected.

Even though Alder, Maple and Cherry are our most popular sellers, we provide many more wood species that we use to create your custom cabinetry.

Quarter Sawn Oak	While maintaining the strong qualities of Northern Red Oak, Manufacturer’s Quarter-sawn Oak displays grain characteristics and patterns that are best described as dramatically elegant. The unique appearance of this oak variation is due to the cutting process utilized at the mill when machining raw lumber. The material is quartered and then cut at a 90˚ angle to the growth ring of the tree. By cutting the material in this fashion, a “ribbon-and-flake” pattern is exposed and contrasted against the more common grain patterns found in red oak.
Oak	Manufacturer uses a Northern Red Oak, known for its strong and varied grain patterns. The “open-grain” texture of Oak adds to its prominent appearance. It varies in color, ranging from a light pinkish tan to a light brown, with occasional greenish hues. Oak machines well and is generally receptive to a variety of stains and finishes. It is a time-tested hardwood known for its durability and versatility.
Alder	Alder is a relatively “soft” hardwood characterized by its warm tone and quiet grain pattern. Though it displays an “even” grain appearance, its softer nature makes it quite receptive to a wide variety of stains and finishes. Generally consistent in color, its heartwood may exhibit darker brown hues with shades of red. Like many closed-grain wood species, Alder reacts to light and will have a tendency to darken over time. (Light Distress is highly recommended when using Alder.). This specie is generally more porous than most hardwoods and has a very moderate grain density. Due to this natural condition, Alder has a tendency to more readily absorb stains. This trait can result may manifest itself through the display of a darker overall coloration than other related species. Depending upon the stain color chosen, it may also display a degree of blotchiness.
Beech	European Beech is a versatile hardwood, displaying much of the durability of oak with a more subdued grain pattern (similar to maple but grainier). Its overall coloration will vary from a light tan to mid-tone brown with occasional streaks of dark brown heartwood. Color variations will usually be somewhat more subdued with darker colors, though grain patterns may become more prominent. The varied grain density of this wood specie can react adversely to some mid-tone stain colors. Such a reaction can display heavy grain “ticking” in a concentrated area and then show a virtual absence of grain in another location. This natural condition can result in a pronounced color variation.European Beech is a great choice for those who want a species between Oak and Maple.
Maple	Manufacturer uses an Eastern Maple, defined by its subtle and elegant grain pattern. It is an exceptionally hard wood specie with closed pores. These characteristics make it less receptive to stain than many other species. It is common for this specie to exhibit a mottled or blotchy look when stained with mid to darker tone stains. Maple’s general coloration ranges from a yellowish-white to a light tan shade. Mineral streaks are common in Maple and turn darker when stained. The size and frequency of mineral streaks will vary and Manufacturer will allow streaks that are equal to or less less than 1/8″ wide and 2″ long. Maple is generally responsive to light and its overall color will change (usually towards a light yellow shade) over time.
Cherry	Cherry is an exceptionally elegant hardwood, defined by soft grain patterns and rich tonality. In its natural state the specie may exhibit deep reddish-brown heartwood, while having areas that are slightly yellowish, pink, or even gray. These variations will be more visible in product finished in lighter colors. It is a closed-grain specie and may exhibit a slight mottling effect depending upon the chosen stain color. Cherry will display some of the following natural “marks” pin knots, sap wood, mineral streaks, and pitch pockets/gum spots. These facets are a vital part of what gives Cherry its beautiful appearance. It is important to note that Cherry can react quite actively to light and will generally darken and redden over time. The natural tendency of this specie to redden can result in a surprising changing of coloration in material pigmented with lighter-tone stains.
Black Walnut	Walnut is an exceptionally beautiful and stable hardwood whose traits are strongly defined throughout the history of woodworking. Grain patterns range from straight to varied; providing striking depth when finished in natural to lighter tones. This specie’s native coloration fluctuates from dark brown to a purplish black. Occasionally, portions of the wood may exhibit light brown streaks. As a naturally dark wood specie, Walnut responds in a more subdued manner to most stain colors, though its inherent cellular characteristics make it very receptive to most pigments.
Knotty Pine	Knotty Pine is a soft wood typified by the random appearance of knots. It has a relatively subdued grain pattern and will vary in color form a light yellow to a more mid-tone yellow. Due to its particularly soft and porous nature, Knotty Pine is not receptive to darker stain colors. Likewise, this very nature can occasionally cause “dry” areas in the finish where top-coat has been absorbed by the wood substrate. Knotty Pine will sometimes display a characteristic called “Blue Stain”. This is a natural reaction within the wood itself, where small dark blue spots may become apparent. It may also exhibit some pitch bleed out, which will result in the finish feeling somewhat “textured”. All these characteristics lend to Knotty Pine’s historic charm.
Hickory	Hickory is a particularly strong hardwood whose grain patterns will vary from “open” to “closed.” It will vary “wildly” in color; ranging from a blond hue to dark brown, with mineral streaks, knots and burls emphasizing the natural growth of the tree. Hickory is generally admired for its dramatic variations in color and grain pattern. It is reasonably receptive to most stains and darker colors will “mellow” some of the inherent color variations. Due to its nature, the characteristics that define this specie will occur randomly throughout the product; some items may appear relatively bland/clear while others may be displayed quite prominently.
Rustic Maple	In addition to the attributes found in each respective wood specie, Manufacturer’s Rustic Oak, Hickory, Alder, Maple and, Cherry variations feature an assortment of the following characteristics; mineral streaks, heart-wood, sap-wood, gum-spots, pitch-pockets (sealed), pin-knots, and open-surface knots (that do not affect structural integrity). These charming traits will be allowed as they naturally occur within the material; no one element (such as knots) is a defining trait. To help enunciate the rustic character, extreme color/grain contrast and/or streaking will be allowed..
Rustic Alder	In addition to the attributes found in each respective wood specie, Manufacturer’s Rustic Oak, Hickory, Alder, Maple and, Cherry variations feature an assortment of the following characteristics; mineral streaks, heart-wood, sap-wood, gum-spots, pitch-pockets (sealed), pin-knots, and open-surface knots (that do not affect structural integrity). These charming traits will be allowed as they naturally occur within the material; no one element (such as knots) is a defining trait. To help enunciate the rustic character, extreme color/grain contrast and/or streaking will be allowed.
African Mahogany	Ribbon-cut African Mahogany is an exotic hardwood that varies in colors, ranging from pinkish to a dark reddish brown; these color contrasts can be dramatic. Mahogany’s organic composition makes it very responsive to all kinds of light; generally, darkening over time. This open-grained specie, exhibits a textured grain pattern that varies from straight to wavy. Specific milling techniques expose an aesthetically pleasing “ribbon” characteristic within the grain. Ribbon-cut African Mahogany is a very durable, stable wood that looks beautiful when finished in natural or a variety of stains. This specie’s bold, natural color variance tends to limit the effect of many mid-tone stains.