Wood Characteristics

There’s a reason people love Cherry cabinets. And Alder cabinets. And Oak cabinets. Every wood species has natural characteristics that create a uniquely beautiful look. Check out the color variations and grain patterns that make each wood special, and learn what you should expect from wood cabinets.

WHICH WOOD LOOK FITS YOUR STYLE?

With several wood species to choose from, we make it easy to create a look that fits your vision. A few species also include different varieties, like Rustic Maple, Rustic Hickory and Quartersawn Oak, which offer a distinct spin on the wood’s natural appearance.

ALDER

With knotholes and mineral streaks, Alder is commonly used for a rustic or industrial look.

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CHERRY

Nothing beats Cherry for a rich, elegant feel. It’s why you’ll often find it in fine furniture.

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MAPLE

This go-to species is smooth, uniform, and consistent, so it takes stains and paints well.

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HICKORY

The hardest wood with the most dramatic color variation we offer. It’s a true statement.

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OAK

A wavy grain pattern is a trademark of plain-sawn Oak. (For a more consistent look, check out Quartersawn Oak.)

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EVERCORE®

This engineered wood is stable and grain-free to produce a smooth, enduring paint finish.

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CONSIDER THE FINISH WHEN CHOOSING A SPECIES FOR YOUR CABINETS

As you think about which wood species you like best, keep in mind the type of finish you’re considering as well.

Lighter stains and translucent finishes will accentuate the natural characteristics of the wood you choose – adding depth and richness.
Dark stains will conceal most (or all) color variation.
Knots, pinholes and the woodgrain texture prevalent in certain species will telegraph through a painted finish. Because of this, we only offer Maple and EverCore® as options with our paints. These offer the smooth, even results most people are looking for with paint.

The depth of stain you choose can enhance or disguise wood’s character – in this case Cherry.

VARIATIONS ARE PART OF WOOD’S NATURAL CHARM

Remember, wood is a natural material. From species to species, and even among individual pieces of lumber, wood is going to look and behave differently. Here are some of the expected (and distinctive) inconsistencies you might see now and over time.

KraftMaid door with descriptions of different wood characteristics

1. Joint Lines

Since wood is in a constant state of expansion and contraction, visible surface cracks at joints may appear in the finish. This is normal and will not weaken the strength of the joint or the integrity of the finish.

2. End Grain

You may notice a darker appearance to cabinet doors where end grain is exposed. End grain is a softer surface that may accept more stain than the facing surface. Variances are not controllable.

3. Aging

As wood ages, the appearance may change or darken. For example, a lightly-stained Cherry will “mellow” adding depth over time. This is often considered a desirable characteristic.

4. Telegraphing

Wood grain, pin holes, knots and mineral streaks may remain visible as a dark area or texture under painted finishes. Open-grain woods (Oak, Hickory) tend to show more than fine-grained species (Maple, Cherry).

5. Mineral Streaks

Wood may feature dark, blackish-blue streaks that run parallel with the wood grain. These discolorations come from mineral deposits trees extract from the surrounding soil.