No matter which species you choose for your new kitchen or bath cabinetry, please
keep in mind that no two pieces of wood are exactly the same. Wood components used
in cabinets are a product of nature and include a variety of species with various
densities, colors, and grain patterns.
Grain Pattern and Color
Color variation within a wood species is influenced by a number of factors such
as moisture and mineral content of the soil, exposure to sunlight and genetic makeup.
Changes in climate, growth rate, soil conditions and damage are a few of the factors
that contribute to grain pattern.
The tree diameter and type of cut determines growth ring size and orientation, which
in turn affect the grain pattern and color. All of these variations combine to produce
unique characteristics that provide the beauty and essence of natural wood.
Wood Colors Change Over Time
All woods change color over time. The amount of change varies depending upon the
wood species, type of cut, exposure to natural sunlight and, amount and color of
stain pigment used. Stains are likely to exaggerate the difference between open
and closed grains and other markings in wood. While color samples give a general
idea of the appearance of a specific stain color and wood species combination, it
is impossible to represent all of the grain patterns, wood and stain colors, and
natural variations that will occur.
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Maple is a close-grained wood that is predominately white to creamy-white in color, with occasional reddish-brown tones. While 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.
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Oak is a strong, open-grained hardwood that ranges in color from white to pink and reddish tones. Streaks of green, yellow and even black may appear due to mineral deposits. Oak may also contain wormholes and wild, varying grain patterns. This distinct graining is considered a desirable quality and has made oak one of the most popular woods used for cabinetry.
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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.
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Knotty Cherry is a multi-colored hardwood. It ranges in color from a white to reddish brown with additional small and large split knots and open knots that vary in size, shape and color. These knots may show completely through the wood. Along with the knots it will have small gum pockets, streaks, pin knots that are common in this wood species. Age and exposure to light, especially direct sunlight will cause the natural wood colors to deepen, turning the darker areas a deep, dark, reddish brown while the lighter areas darken to shades of yellow and a light rich brown. These color variations are random. The aging process is a dominant feature in this wood species and is what makes it a benefit of owning solid cherry cabinetry.
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