Choosing the Right Wood
by Connie Edwards
Without a doubt, wood species is an essential factor when buyers select cabinetry; it sets the tone for a new home. Buyers may not know the door style they are looking for until they see it, but they often know that they want cherry or perhaps maple cabinets long before they set foot in the first model home.
It's interesting to note that certain wood species are often associated with specific style categories. For example, cherry cabinetry is often associated with traditional interiors, although it can be spectacular in contemporary designs. The wood's natural red undertones and rich, tight grain are frequently enhanced by today's staining and glazing techniques. Whatever the look builders wish to achieve, selecting a wood species is the first and most important step.
Changing Trends
Although cherry usually carries a premium, it's now gaining even more in popularity. In fact, the demand for cherry grew an additional 3 percent from 2006 to 2007, according to the latest figures available from Kitchen and Bath Business magazine's Annual Industry Report.
Oak and hickory are typically seen in more casual or rustic interiors, and maple tends to transition from traditional to contemporary. A new wrinkle is the increased popularity of painted finishes that are usually applied to maple wood, lending it a more elegant look.
According to Kitchen and Bath Business, maple has been the most popular wood species for the past five years. At one time, oak dominated the cabinet business and is still commonly used for flooring; however, other species continue to challenge its popularity. Nevertheless, darker stains on contemporary oak door styles are becoming more popular, and oak will be trendy at some point in the future.
Setting Customer's Expectations
No two trees are alike and no two pieces of wood are exactly the same. Whether it is solid hardwood or hardwood veneer, variations are part of its makeup. Wood also changes over time due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light; it is just the nature of the material.
Homebuyers should expect to find variations in the grain and color, even within the same kitchen. These mineral streaks, pinholes, unique grain patterns and color are the attributes that give real wood products their distinctive beauty.
Most Popular Wood Species Defined
Today, hardwoods are favored in home cabinetry because of their durability. Characteristics of the most popular species are:
Cherry
Cherry is a close-grain, multicolored hardwood with occasional pin knots and fine grain variations. Though somewhat softer than maple, it is known for its beautiful grain. This wood is most susceptible to color changes over time.
Maple
Maple is an exceptionally hard, finely grained wood species. In its natural state, the color varies from creamy white to light blonde tones to dark reddish brown. Mineral streaks and curly bird's eye graining are often found.
Red Oak
Oak is a coarsely grained hardwood with pattern variations that fluctuate with the way the log is cut. It is durable and forgiving of nicks and bumps. There is a noticeable color difference between open and close-grain areas that are more obvious in natural or light stains.
Hickory
Hickory is a very tough, dense hardwood, making it extremely durable. Dramatic color variations ranging from deep reddish brown to pale white are typical. Medium to darker stains will help moderate the color variations but this wood is usually selected for these particular attributes so often no attempt is made to hide them.
Other Species
A variety of other species can be found in the cabinet industry. From birch to exotic wood choices such as wenge or bubinga, each has unique characteristics. Always investigate wood species before committing to them to ensure that they match your needs and your customer's expectations.
Connie Edwards is a certified kitchen and bathroom designer and director of design for Timberlake Cabinetry.
www.timberlake.com
