Beauty of Wood

Cherry
Cherry is an old favorite that finishes to a glass-like finish with textured accents provided by small knots, irregular black streaks or pits. The Frost, Natural and Golden colors show off this variation, including natural dark streaks more than four inches long. The white, cream, pink, mahogany and reddish brown colors tend to become richer and deeper with age. Auburn, Dark, Medium and Sable will moderate some of this natural change, but sharp eyes will still see the wood age. Burgundy completely masks the color change, but the dark surface highlights the texture of Cherry’s gum lines and pits, which once carried nutrients throughout the tree. The surface texturing can be more than a quarter of an inch wide and run the entire length of a piece of wood.

Hickory
Hickory is a heavy and rugged wood with a tough, open grain. Color ranges from white, pink and light golden shades to deep browns, blacks and greys, with knots, black streaks, and large knots, worm holes and surface splits appearing unpredictably throughout this adventurous wood. Lighter finishes best show off this variation, but even the darker stains fail to suppress hickory’s vibrant color. Special Note: Expect the knots, cracks in the surface, worm holes and a few other surprises to become much more obvious when any Glaze is applied.

Maple
Maple possesses warm color and a strong, closed grain, which may display vine marks and “bird’s-eye.” Occasionally, a wave-like grain called “flame” maple graces a cabinet; it’s prized by makers of guitars and violins for its strength. Dark streaks of black and burnt umber complement the creams, tans and rich browns of this long-time favorite. Lighter finishes show off the contrasting colors and grain characteristics, while darker finishes provide a mellow, traditional finish. Paint disguises the color, but certain grain characteristics add texture to the sheen; additionally, cracks will appear at joints of the doors, drawers and cabinet frame as the wood expands and contracts throughout the year.

Oak
Red Oak creates fine American furniture that adds quiet strength to your home. Smooth, luminous rays run throughout the wood and complement the open grain, providing abundantly textured cabinetry in shades of pink, tan, and white, with touches of green, brown and black. Natural, Golden and Frost colors highlight the red and pink tones in the wood, while darker colors transform Oak into warm shades of brown. Paint disguises the color, but highlights the open grain—especially when the discerning owner chooses a Glaze combination. As with all paints, cracks will appear at joints of the doors, drawers and cabinet frame as the wood expands and contracts throughout the year.