BIRDSFeathered Friends

Wood Species Characteristics

While trying to select the right door for your new kitchen, a little education on the characteristic of the different wood species available, can go a long way. You probably know which wood appeals to you more, but is it the right one for your kitchen?

Here is a short overview of the most common woods available today in kitchens:

Alder – Very similar grain pattern to Cherry and Maple. Considered to be a hardwood but beware. Alder is light in weight and will dent easily, so you must be careful with it. It takes most finishes well including the dark ones.

Cherry – Smooth even grained hardwood with a very elegant warm look. Have some variations with some blond, green and gray strips. Cherry darkens with age especially when exposed to direct sunlight. May contain small knots and pin holes.

Maple – Smooth, even and fine grain. Maple is more uniformed and could have slight variations with mineral streaks which are common. Harder wood that is more wear resistant than birch.

Oak – Very strong grain pattern. Noticeable variations in color. Oak is one of the stronger hardwoods.

Pecan – A stronger hardwood from the hickory family. Very dramatic color variations when new that will become less apparent with age. Will have knots and pin holes.

Quarter-Sawn Oak – Straight grain with medium to coarse texture and evenly spaced pores. White Oak that ranges in color from nearly white to dark gray heartwood. Quarter-sawn Oak is cut using the heart of the wood as the edge rather than the center which create a rich look. Heavy, hard, strong and durable.

Red Birch – Closed grain wood that has a very consistent texture. Strong and durable wood. Red Birch is selected heartwood from the yellow birch trees.

Remember, no two pieces of woods are the same, so expect some variations and movement. This is the beauty of wood. In time, wood mellows or changes colors due mostly to exposure to light. Some do it faster than others. Always take that into consideration when looking at samples. Your new kitchen will probably look a little different in your home, than an old aged sample looks at the showroom.

The most important thing is for you to select the wood species that you love, the one that will work well in your environment and give your kitchen the elegant, rich and exciting look that you dream of.

For more information, tips, and ideas, please visit www.kitchenDZiner.com.

About the Author

Shuky is a kitchen designer working in South Florida for the last 15 years. Her long list of happy customers indicates the experience, knowledge of the business, and excellent customer service skills she brings to every project she works on. Please visit her on www.kitchenDZiner.com.

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