Natural Characteristics are a part of the unique charm and beauty of wood cabinetry. As wood ages it is exposed to different weather conditions; sunlight, rain, ice, and wind, this will naturally change the color slightly. This change is called “mellowing,” a product of nature, wood, will vary in color, texture and grain. With this in mind we recommend that you take the time to view several cabinet door samples and displays to become familiar with the natural characteristics of the wood species and cabinet finish you select.

Cherry

Cherry hardwoods are one of the most popular wood species. The Cherry color will range from light to medium reddish brown while darkening with age and exposure to sunlight. When looking at the beautiful wood species you will see small flecks within the grain, these are specks of mineral, pitch pockets and areas of sapwood that naturally occur during growth. The Cherry hardwood has an elegant look that is admired for its rich, beautiful color, satiny smooth texture and uniform grain pattern.

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Maple

Another popular option, Maple, is great for painted and stained finishes as well. Varying with areas of density Maple will absorb stains differently, creating a dappled appearance. When Maple grows it naturally absorbs minerals from the soil creating mineral streaks throughout the wood. This leaves a natural characteristic unique to every tree. Maple has a smooth texture and is a creamy white color, sometimes this can range from a white to a lighter cream color.

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Knotty Alder

If a rustic look is what you are after then the Knotty Alder is the wood for you. The Knotty Alder has a grain similar to the Cherry wood, with different sizes of knots distributed throughout the wood. Some knots are tight and others are open and split, this helps to give the real rustic look. The Knotty Alder ranges in color from a light honey to a reddish-brown, which will lighten in time with exposure to sunlight. This is a common characteristic for wood species.

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Quarter Sawn Red Oak

Unlike other wood species Quarter-Sawn Red Oak is known for the way it is cut from the log. The cut creates a distinctive and attractive straight grain pattern with an interesting “fleck”. This grain has become popular with Arts and Craft furniture design because of its distinctive grain pattern. The color of the wood can be anything from a reddish tint to a light brown, even white. The straight consistent grain patterns of this wood species allow it to enhance a contemporary look and are also favored for a more traditional look.

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Lyptus

A wood species that is getting more notice by homeowners is the Lyptus. This hybrid of Eucalyptus plant grown on plantations in South America is certified to Brazil’s sustainable forestry standards. This is quite the environmental advantage, growing to full maturity in 15 years compared to 50+ for most domestic hardwoods. The Lyptus is most like mahogany with a grainy texture and deep red coloring. Although the color is predominantly rich red brown it can fluctuate from a light pint to a very dark brown. A darker stained finish tempers some of this color variation for a unique and attractive look.

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RED OAK

The Red Oak has occasional pin knots and mineral streaks which could occur but mostly the grain is comparatively consistent as is the color. Colors range from a light brown with reddish tones to a creamy white to light brown. The Red Oak is recognized for its grain pattern and texture which varies from tight straight grain to a distinctive arch pattern.

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Hickory

The Hickory wood species is known for its mineral streaks and sound knots that are sometimes prevalent in this dense strong hardwood. This species has an impressive color variation which can range from creamy white to dark brown all within the same panel. The coloring variation is completely random and adds to the character of the wood.

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Rustic Cherry

The Rustic Cherry is cherished for the vivid rustic appearance of the rich warm coloring. Knots are prevalent in all kinds of sizes and shapes, sound knots along with open and split knots add to the natural look of this wood species. The Rustic Cherry has a reddish hue but will also have areas of creamy white sap wood with mineral streaks, burling, pitch pockets and other natural variations. Now with the Rustic Cherry over time the color will darken with exposure to sunlight.

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Exotic Veneers

Alectra® cabinetries, Exotic Veneers (Bamboo, Vertical Grain Fir, Zebrawood and White Oak) are used for a high visual impact. This program utilizes “engineered” wood veneers to attain a popular consistent color and graining. Exotic Veneers are developed to address the need and wish for consistency by using engineered veneers; the natural veneers are not as consistent and have the more “natural” tone with differences from piece to piece. One other important piece that sets engineered veneers apart from natural veneers is they are more environmentally friendly. They use the more sustainable wood species that are plentiful and easily available.

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BAMBOO

Bamboo has the strength of steel and the ability to grow over 45 inches within 24 hours. This makes it one of the most regarded of renewable resources available. This makes for not only a beautiful but strong high-graded bamboo cabinet. While using this very useful renewable resource you are helping to develop habits that will make our environment stronger and better for our future.

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MAHOGANY

From the Ivory Coast region of Africa Mahogany is a quarter sawn cut. Having a ribbon effect and straight grain, it takes on stains very well. Mahogany’s wood color runs from a dark reddish brown to a dull light brown, with some shades of pinkish brown.

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Real Kitchen

Thank you so very, very much for helping us to design the kitchen of our dreams! Thanks to your guidance and expertise, the kitchen came out perfect!

We spend all our time in the kitchen; because it is so beautiful and we love it so much! And it functions just as great as it looks. Despite its small size, there is a place for everything and no more clutter on the counters!

It was great fun working with you to design our kitchen. You made the whole process painless and lots of fun! Your creative solutions to helping us achieve maximum storage capacity are very much appreciated every time we use the kitchen!

We hope you stop by soon to see the finished product—we have finally unpacked the many boxes we had in storage and are happily using our new kitchen with much appreciation.

Name Withheld

San Mateo, California