Types of Wood
With so many beautiful wood types, it can be overwhelming choosing the perfect one for your home. The natural warmth and texture of wood brings a beautifully balanced appearance and plays an important role in influencing the look and feel of the room it resides in. The various knots, twists, marks, and stains work together to give character, making each wood type unique.
Wood types come in two forms: hard or soft. Hardwood includes trees such as oak, maple, cherry, birch and hickory. Softwood includes spruce, pine, and cedar.
It’s important to note that as wood ages and is exposed to sunlight, the color naturally changes in a process known as “mellowing.”
Compound materials are another alternative to wooden cabinets. Since they’re highly durable, less prone to discoloration, and easy to maintain, compound materials such as laminate and thermofoil have become popular options.
Alder
Alder has a straight and even-textured wood grain with light brown and reddish undertones.
Birch
Birch has a smooth surface texture. It’s often used in modern designs, raised or recessed panel-type doors and the predominant sapwood color is an almost-white wood. The tight wood grain is strong and heavy.
Cherry
Cherry has a smooth, even-grained look with a fairly standard texture. It’s often used in English or French style cabinets and is characterized by a red undertone, although the colors may vary from dark brown to white.
Hickory
Hickory has a naturally contrasting appearance with a sturdy, brown color. It’s often used in Country style cabinets.
Knotty Alder
Knotty Alder displays knots that vary in size and distribution. It’s often chosen for its rustic, informal appearance.
Maple
Maple is a popular option with its subtle grain pattern and smooth texture. The smooth appearance with a predominantly white to creamy-white color is ideal for cabinets that will be painted or stained.
Oak
Oak has direct grain patterns and is the most commonly used in solid wood cabinets. The strong graining doesn’t fade under staining and includes a large variety of colors.
Rift Oak
Rift Oak is a veneer wood with a clean, smooth finish. It’s often used in modern style cabinets.
Pine
Pine is a softwood with a yellow tint. It’s often used in country style cabinets because it can be antiqued or distressed easily.
Walnut
Walnut has smooth and straight grain lines with colors ranging from deep chocolate brown to a light reddish-gray brown.
It’s important to evaluate the look and feel you want to display in your home before choosing a wood type. Would you rather have a warm and welcoming feel or leaning toward a more contemporary and clean look? Determining which direction you want to go will help narrow down your choices and help you pick the perfect wood type.
Interested in learning more? We’d love to give you more insight from our professional team!
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