Maple is a versatile hardwood with a fine, smooth grain. Maple varies in color from nearly white to a slightly reddish brown. Due to its smooth grain, Maple is generally considered to be the best cabinetry hardwood for painting. Mineral or sugar streaks occur naturally in Maple and can vary from piece to piece. This will cause regions of intense color variation, even within a single piece of Maple. These are natural variations inherent to the species; these variations mean that stained Maple will not produce a single, perfectly uniform color tone. This is considered to be due to the natural variation inherent to wood, and is part of wood’s natural beauty.

Oak is a strong hardwood with a long, linear grain, often displaying tiny rays. Oak, at times, has small pinholes and tight knots. Oak coloration can range from a golden blond to deeper tones. Because of its open, intriguing grain, Oak is considered a good hardwood for painting. When painted, its grain will be visible and tactile. Due to the open grain inherent to Oak, 100% stain penetration cannot be achieved and sometimes unfinished portions of the grain will be visible when viewed at an angle and under magnification. Due to natural variations inherent to the species, stains on Oak will not produce a single, perfectly uniform color tone. There may be regions of moderate color variation, even within a single piece of Oak. This is considered to be due to the natural variation inherent to wood, and is part of wood’s natural beauty.

Quarter Sawn White Oak is White Oak milled at an angle 60 to 90 degrees from the grain allowing rays and flecks to become visible, giving the wood unique character and dimension. Colors within the wood range from nearly white sapwood to darker gray/brown heartwood. Quarter Sawn White Oak takes stains fairly evenly and is known for strength, durability, and the beauty that comes from the cut of the wood. Due to the open grain inherent to White Oak, 100% stain penetration cannot be achieved and sometimes unfinished portions of the grain will be visible when viewed at an angle and under magnification.We cut from the heart of the log, rather than the edges, giving visibility to long radiated rays that are the essence to Quarter Sawn White Oak. All quarter sawn white oak orders have an upcharge of 10% above the standard charge for the price group of the door.

Cherry displays a distinctive grain pattern and warm color shadings, ranging from nearly white to dark reddish brown. Dark pockets, pin knots and random streaks are common and are not considered to be defects in the wood – take care when ordering Cherry cabinetry that your doors and drawers will contain these marks. More than most woods, Cherry will darken when exposed to light, especially with light stains. Due to natural variations inherent to the species, stains on Cherry will not produce a single, perfectly uniform color tone. Often there will be regions of moderate to intense color variation, even within a single piece of Cherry. This is considered to be due to the natural variation inherent to wood, and is part of wood’s natural beauty.

Hickory is a heavy, strong hardwood known for flowing, vibrant grain patterns and dramatic color variation. Hickory can also exhibit random pecks, burls and mineral streaks. Hickory’s color ranges across a wide spectrum, from nearly white to dark brown. Due to natural variations inherent to the species, stains on Hickory will not produce a single, perfectly uniform color tone. There will be regions of intense color variation, even within a single piece of Hickory. This is considered to be due to the natural variation inherent to wood, and is part of wood’s natural beauty.

Rustic Hickory is a heavy, strong hardwood known for flowing, vibrant grain patterns and dramatic color variation. Rustic Hickory can also exhibit random pecks, burls and mineral streaks. Rustic Hickory has a wide variation in color, ranging from nearly white to dark brown. There will be “character” spots (knots, burls, blemishes, etc.) on the center panels, and they may also be on the stiles and rails of the door and drawer fronts, which could impact hardware placement. Knots, if they appear, will be sound and will be closed. At certain angles, light could be visible through the knot. Due to natural variations inherent to the species, stains on Rustic Hickory will not produce a single, perfectly uniform color tone. There will be regions of intense color variation, even within a single piece of Rustic Hickory. This is considered to be due to the natural variation inherent to wood, and is part of wood’s natural beauty.

Alder is a soft hardwood with a fine, straight grain and even texture. Its color is light brown with a yellow or reddish tinge. When you compare Alder’s heartwood with its sapwood, there is insignificant color difference. Alder does not evolve as much in color, or darken when exposed to light or heat, as other woods do. Alder takes stains and finishes well. It is one of the softest hardwoods, so it can be damaged easily. Some small, tight knots can be found with standard Alder. Due to natural variations inherent to the species, stains on Alder will not produce a single, perfectly uniform color tone. Sometimes there will be regions of moderate to intense color variation, even within a single piece of Alder. This is considered to be due to the natural variation inherent to wood, and is part of wood’s natural beauty.

Rustic Alder is a soft hardwood with a fine, straight grain and even texture. Its color is light brown with a yellow or reddish tinge. When you compare Rustic Alder’s heartwood with its sapwood, there is insignificant color difference. Rustic Alder does not evolve as much in color, or darken when exposed to light or heat, as other woods do. Rustic Alder takes stains and finishes well. It is one of the softest hardwoods, so it can be damaged easily. Rustic Alder will have “character” spots (knots, burls, blemishes, etc.) on the center panels, and they may also be on the stiles and rails on the door and drawer fronts, which could impact hardware placement. Knots, if they appear, will be sound and will be closed. At certain angles, light could be visible through the knot. Due to natural variations inherent to the species, stains on Rustic Alder will not produce a single, perfectly uniform color tone. Sometimes there will be regions of moderate to intense color variation, even within a single piece of Rustic Alder. This is considered to be due to the natural variation inherent to wood, and is part of wood’s natural beauty.

The sapwood of walnut is creamy white, while the heartwood is light brown to dark chocolate brown, occasionally with a purplish cast and darker streaks. The wood develops a rich stain that grows more lustrous and lightens with age. The wood is generally straight grained, but sometimes with wavy or curly grain that produces an attractive and decorative figure. This species produces a greater variety of figure types than any other. The grain of walnut is variable and is not considered a defect. All walnut orders have an upcharge of 25% above the standard charge for the price group of the door.