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All About Wood

The Beauty The richness of our cabinetry begins with wood. Its beauty is much more than skin deep. Neither synthetic nor engineered wood comes for the heart of nature - the simplest and most reliable source.

All of our cabinetry is constructed from many pieces of wood. Each is unique and displays natural variations in color. For example, the lighter pieces were closer to the center of the tree. All are equally strong and reflect the beauty and value that make hardwoods desirable.

The unique grain patterns in hardwoods are related to the tree's growth rings. These distinct differences are enhanced as the wood is prepared for use in your cabinetry.

Trees absorb minerals and other essential elements as they grow. These natural characteristics let you know you are enjoying the authentic item and not an artificial wood.

All trees grow limbs, which fall to the forest floor as the trees mature. The tree trunk will always have a knot where limbs once were. Parts of the tree, knots and all, may be in your cabinetry. These natural markings are proof of the tree's origins: they have absolutely no effect on its durability and structural integrity. Knots and other characteristics are much like the nubs you find in such fine natural fabrics as silk and linen: they are indications of genuine quality.

Types of Wood

• Natural Birch is a medium density hardwood with a fine moderate grain pattern. The predominant sapwood color is white to creamy yellow while the heartwood varies in color from medium to dark brown to reddish brown. This range in color makes a distinctive statement in your Birch cabinetry selection.
• Cherry is an elegant multi-colored hardwood which may contain small knots and pin holes. Natural or light stains accent these color variations making a distinctive statement in a full kitchen. Cherry wood will darken or "mellow" with age. This mellowing is a natural occurrence and one benefit of owning a solid Cherry kitchen.
• Hickory is a strong open grained wood that is known for its wide variation in color. It is not uncommon to see doors or parts of doors that range in color from light to a deep brown when finished in a light or natural stain. Darker stains will mildly tone these color variations. These characteristics are what make each Hickory kitchen unique and the preference of those who love wood.
• Hard Maple is a strong closed grain wood that is predominantly off-white in color although it also contains light hues of yellow-brown and pink. Hard Maple occasionally contains light-tan or dark mineral streaks.
• Red Oak is a strong open grained wood that has a range in color of white, yellow and pink. Red Oak is sometimes streaked with green, yellow and black mineral deposits and may contain some wide grain.
• Pine is a closed grain softwood that has a range in color of white, yellow, and pink. Pine contains solid knots and sap runs of varying size that contribute to color changes within pieces of wood. Pine will darken or "mellow" with age. This mellowing is a natural occurrence and one benefit of owning a solid Pine kitchen.

We Understand Wood

At Kitchen Art Design Center, we understand wood and the different characteristics of each type. Contact us any time to discuss your preferences and options.