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Wood Species Grade Options
Standard Grade: Will allow for some naturally occuring characteristics in each wood species. Things such as mineral streaks, color variations, small tight knots and pin knots could all occur in this grade.
Premium Grade: A more uniform look in this grade, fewer character marks and a tighter and more consistent finish than Standard Grade.
Rustic Grade: This grade brings out the natural charateristics each species has to offer. Many degrees of colors, knots, mineral streaks.
Knotty Grade: As the grade name implies, this grade will foucs on the natural knots found in wood. The size and degree of knots is not important, as they are all sealed
Red Oak
American Red Oak is the most widely used species for cabinetry in the United States. Excellent features for woodcrafting have made red oak a favorite choice for craftsman since colonial times. A long lasting hardwood, the grain patterns offer a dramatic look that is at home with any style of décor. Natural color is tan to reddish brown, however with the easy acceptance by this wood, stain and finish options allow the final color to be chosen by the owner of the cabinetry.
Maple
Used by many homeowners looking for a contemporary face to their cabinetry, maple is very popular in full overlay and full access cabinetry designs. Maple surfaces offer a smooth, close grain appearance in a light tan to yellow-brown-pink variations. Unique features are subtle in maple with birds-eye, curls, fiddle back hidden within the grain patterns. A bit fickle as to it's acceptance of stain colors, adding in a conditioner along with stain colors keeps the overall appearance of stained maple consistent. Many homeowners choose a clear finish for this timeless wood species.
Alder
A beautiful grain allows alder entry into kitchen, bath, den or bookcase. Alder has a subtle grain that brings out even more appeal in this wood, making it currently one of the more popular cabinet species. Consistent in it's pattern, alder takes stain and finishing very well and will appear to be cherry wood with the right color stain. Also a great choice if you are considering a natural wood that will allow a bit of aging of the original color. Warm and inviting, alder is an excellent choice for nearly any setting.
Cherry
A classic furniture species, cherry cabinetry natural colors range from light red or pink to a deep red or red-brown. Smooth and even grained, cherry offers a look in quality unmatched by most wood species. Craftsmen have enjoyed working with cherry for centuries, and find that the unique aspects of this wood add even more to their enjoyment of building fine cabinetry. The look of cherry will change over time, as it will darken in color. Exposure to light will hasten cherry aging to a deep, dark red tone. Usually finished with a clear coat to allow for the natural color aging to take place.
Poplar
As value goes, poplar had found it's niche as a durable product that finished well with paint, making it a solid choice for paint grade cabinetry. This light colored wood will have cream, yellow and light tan mixed tightly or in streaks. A perfect candidate for paint or dark stains! This rise in popularity of poplar has led to a higher demand, which has removed poplar as one of the lower priced woods.
Hickory
Of the most popular hardwoods, American Hickory is the hardest wood species used in cabinetry today. The highly contrasting look ( variations in color from nearly white to dark brown ) and texture of this unique wood has an affinity for homes styled with casual, rustic or country themes. However, used sparingly, hickory will fit into many different settings. Hickory stains well, but most often will be finished with a clear coat to enhance and enrich the color variations of hickory's natural look.
Birch
Light white to light brown in color, medium density and a fine even grain give birch a mostly uniform look. Birch will take paints well, but stains, unless dark, may show variations. Best to use a conditioner when applying a medium or light stain to birch. May show some grain features similar to maple.
Pine
A soft wood, pine is normally a yellow-brown species with a hint of red and plenty of knot holes for effect. Used extensively for the cabin, outdoor or rustic look, pine is easy to work with and easy to handle, as it is a soft and light wood. Very unique and easy to identify.
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