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*The Beauty of Wood*

The richness of cabinetry begins with the wood. Neither synthetic nor engineered; wood comes from the heart of nature-the simplest and most reliable resource. It's natural for wood species in all finishes to show color changes caused by exposure to light, humidity and temperature changes. If you chose wood cabinetry, you can expect graining differences and color variations caused by this natural process. It's part of the timeless beauty and warmth of wood. Understanding these variation will give you an even greater appreciation for the uniqueness wood cabinetry brings to your home.

Constructed from many pieces of wood, your cabinetry is unique and displays natural color variation. The lighter pieces were closer to the tree's bark, and the darker pieces were closer to its center. All are equally strong and enhance the beauty and value of hardwoods.

Growth rings create the unique grain patterns in hardwoods. Preparing the wood for use in your cabinetry brings out these distinct differences.

Trees absorb minerals and other essential elements as they grow and prosper. You may see traces in your cabinetry, some more than others. These natural characteristics let you know you are enjoying authentic wood and not an imitation.

All trees grow limbs, which fall to the forest floor as the tree matures. The tree trunk will always have a knot where limbs once were. Parts of the tree, knots and all, may find new life in your cabinetry. They have absolutely no effect on its durability and structural integrity. These natural markings are proof of the tree's origins and add to its character.

Wood Species and Characteristics

Oak

Red oak has a prominent open grain ranging in color from white to yellow and reddish-brown. Red oak is sometimes streaked with green, yellow or back mineral deposits and may vary from a closely-knit grain to a sweeping arch pattern.

Maple

Hard maple is a strong, close-grained wood predominantly off-white in color, although it also contains light hues of yellow-brown and pink. Hard maple occasionally has small mineral, light tan or reddish-tinged streaks that will darken with stain. It is usually straight-grained, but can be wavy or even curly.

Cherry

Cherry is an elegant, multicolored hardwood. In its raw state, it has a pinkish-brown hue with occasional shades of white, green, pink or even gray. Natural or light stains accent these color variation. Small gum packets, streaks, pin knots and figures are common. Cherry wood will darken or "mellow" with age. This mellowing occurs naturally, and is a benefit of owning solid cherry cabinetry. This mellowing occurs naturally and is a benefit of owning solid cherry cabinetry.

Hickory

Hickory is a strong, open-grained wood known for flowing grain patterns and dramatic color variations. It often contains random pecks, burls and mineral streaks. It is not uncommon to see doors range in color from light to deep brown when finished in light or natural stains. Darker stains will mildly tone these color variations. These characteristics make each hickory kitchen unique and the choice of those who love wood.

Birch

Natural birch is a medium-density hardwood with a distinct, moderate groin pattern ranging from straight to wavy or curly. The predominant sapwood color is white to creamy yellow, while the heartwood varies from medium or dark brown to reddish brown. This color range makes a distinctive statement in a birch cabinetry selection.

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