What Type of Wood Catches Your Eye?

	Alder Alder is principally in the Pacific Northwest and is commonly used in furniture and cabinets. It is relatively straight grain wood with some graining characters which resemble cherry but does not darken in color after finishing. It's maching characteristics provide beautiful profiles and finish substrate.
	Basswood Basswood is commonly referred to as "American Whitewood". It grows commonly in the eastern, and central parts of North America. Its grain pattern and color are remarkably consistent which provides a surface that creates a beautiful finished surface.
	Bamboo Bamboo is a renewable material made from the bamboo plant. It can withstand a great deal of use without damage. It is considered to be stronger than oak. In addition, bamboo does not swell or shrink as most hardwoods do. The linear character of bamboo parts results from the gluing together of the bamboo plants. Bamboo can be successfully stained and finished for a variety of design looks.
	Cherry Cherry is grown throughout Midwestern and eastern U.S. Cherry varies from red to reddish-brown and will darken with age and exposure to light. Creamy white sap wood is common alnog with brown pith flecks and small gum pockets. It has medium strength and density with a higher potential for shrinkage.
	Maple North American Maple has become very popular in cabinet styles in the past decade. Its natural color is white to cream, mostly straight-grained with occasional bird's eye or burl which provides character with translucent finishes. Graining is tight which provides an excellent substrate for finishing.
	Oak Oak lumber is historically a popular wood for use in furniture and cabinets and comprises about one-third of all harwood production in the U.S. Oak is generally found in two varieties, white and red. White Oak is more durable, less porous , and has a finer texture. By its name red oak has a red tint and is a coarser wood for finishing.
	Birch Red Birch is a versatile hard wood which has similar characteristics of maple but with a golden brown to slightly reddish color. Its unique color provides a warm, deep color when staining that does not change shade with time. The grain is tight like maple to provide consistency of machining and finish.

See any woods you were interested in? Need any more tips? Check out our Kitchen Buyer's Guide for more insightful information to help you crete your dream kitchen!