Wood Species
Here is a list of primary wood species used when building cabinets and woodwork in your home. Price and finished appearance is highly dependent on the wood you choose for your cabinets. Wood grain texture can be broken into three categories, open, medium, and closed. Open grain can be felt easily by touch, while closed grain is smooth to the touch.Knotty Alder – A light brown to red hardwood with a closed straight grain sometimes referred to as rustic alder. Knotty alder is often stained very dark to resemble cherry.
Select Alder- A light brown to red hardwood with a closed straight grain, which is sometime used as a substitute for cherry. Select alder is often stained very dark to resemble cherry
Ash -A white to pale yellow hardwood occasionally streaked with brown with an open straight grain. Best results are clear finish or a touch of brown.
Birch - A light yellow to reddish-brown hardwood with a straight medium grain. Birch is best stained clear to light brown.
Cherry – A rich red to reddish-brown hardwood with a fine closed grain. Cherry is often stained very dark and will darken with age and on exposure to light
Hickory/Pecan - A dark brown to white hardwood with a mixed open grain. Staining can be difficult if the color variations are to be blended.
Maple - A creamy white to light tan hardwood with a straight closed grain. Exotic versions include tiger maple and birds eye maple, which has a curly, wavy, or striped grain. Maple should be stained a light shade to bring out its natural beauty.
Oak - A rich golden to light reddish-brown hardwood with a straight open grain. Oak is often stained with a golden hue, which brings out its natural color.
Poplar - A pale yellowish-brown hardwood often tinged with olive green, grain is straight and closed. Poplar is primarily used in paint grade applications.
Walnut - A light to dark chocolate brown hardwood with a mixed medium grain. Stain can range from clear to dark.
Pine- A white to pale yellow softwood with a straight medium grain. Stain can range from clear to dark.
Knotty Pine - A white to pale yellow softwood with a straight medium grain. Stain can range from clear to dark.Knotty Pine - A white to pale yellow softwood with a straight medium grain. Stain can range from clear to dark.
