Different Wood Characteristics
Kitchen Resource Direct kitchen cabinets are constructed using many pieces of solid wood and wood veneers. Graining differences, as well as normal color change can be expected. Wood species in all finishes will exhibit color change when exposed to different types of light. Color differences in wood are caused by variations in minerals found in the soil in which the tree was grown and the absorption of these minerals. End grain surfaces and softer areas of the wood may accept more stain an often appear darker than other surfaces, this is a natural reaction when finishing wood product and potential variances cannot be controlled. Additionally, every wood species exhibits other characteristics, including: knots, pinholes, sap runs and darkening with age. It is the beauty and nature of wood to have these characteristics, as well as natural variations in graining and color which will be present throughout our cabinetry.
NOTE: All wood species and finishes should avoid long term exposure to moisture.
Cherry Wood
Cherry is characterized by its red undertones, but may vary in color from white to a deep, rich brown. Cherry is a close-grained wood with fairly uniform texture, revealing pin knots and curly graining. All wood will age with time and the finish will darken. This is especially true for cherry. This is a sought-after quality in cherry cabinetry, and those who select it expect this evolution. Features described below are typical and not considered defects:
- Small sap pockets, pin knots and streaks
- Color ranges from pale yellow sapwood to deep reddish brown heartwood, with occasional shades of white, green, pink or even grey
- Staining reveals subtle variations and colors that typically darken over time
- Variations within a single door and side by side cabinets
- May accept nicks and bumps over time
Maple Wood
Maple is a close-grained hardwood that is predominately white to creamy-white in color, with occasional reddish brown tones. White maple typically features uniform graining as compared to other wood species, characteristic markings may include fine brown lines, wavy or curly graining, bird’s eye dots and mineral streaks. These traits are natural and serve to enhance maple’s natural beauty. Features below are typical and not considered defects:
- Creamy white to light blonde tones to dark reddish brown tones
- Mineral streaks are a natural characteristic and will appear darker with stain
- Wavy, curly bird’s-eye or burl graining as well as worm tracking across the grain that will darken when stained
- Variations within a single door and side by side cabinets
Quarter Sawn Oak
Its elegant, straight grained appearance sets it apart from the more common “cathedral grain” properties of plain sawn red oak. Quarter sawn red oak is more desirable, higher value alternative to plain sawn for any red oak application. Quarter sawn oak is cut for figure, using the heart as the edge rather than the center, as in plain sawn oak, allowing rays and flecks to become visible. Features described below are typical and not considered defects:
- Oak colors range from light tans to deep reddish browns
- Streaks of yellow or black mineral deposits
- Rays, checks and flecks are non-uniform and become visible.
- Noticeable differences in color between open and close-grained areas which may be more evident with light colored stain
- Variations within a single door and side by side cabinets
