Information
At Woodhaven Custom Cabinets we offer any species of wood desired by the customer, but we recommend four of today’s most popular species available in the cabinet industry: oak, maple, cherry, and Alder.
Each piece of wood is entirely unique – just as no two trees are exactly alike. Wood is a product of nature and as such will display natural characteristics and variances that are unique to each and every cut. These characteristics are an integral part of the charm and beauty of real wood – no two pieces are alike. Therefore we cannot guarantee that every piece of wood will look exactly the same, even when finished with the same processes.
It is important to understand the natural color characteristics and variations of wood to make sure you’re selecting a wood that will be the perfect fit for your home.
Characteristics of Wood
Each type of wood has its own unique and beautiful characteristics that will make it a perfect fit for your home.
Cherry
Cherry’s smooth, tight grain, rich color, and stability have won high favor for use in kitchen cabinetry. Cherry ranges in color from white to deep red-brown. It is exceptionally stable and unsurpassed in its finishing qualities. Cherry’s color deepens and mellows with age due to its unique photosensitivity.
Maple
Maple is a strong, evenly textured wood with a natural luster. While it is very uniform, you will notice random mineral streaks, worm tracks, or birds-eye patterns. The grain is primarily straight, but can be wavy at times. Maple is a closed-grain wood that sands down to a very smooth finish. As it ages, maple will take on a golden hue. Due to the density and hardness of maple, natural expansion and contraction may be more apparent at joints than with softer hardwoods.
Alder
Alder is characterized by its straight grain and even texture. Its reddish brown color often resembles Cherry, and while it’s sometimes used as a substitute, Alder’s natural luster sets it apart. The wood catches and reflects light beautifully, giving stained surfaces a rich depth and a shifting glow as the light changes.
White Oak
White Oak is strong, warm, and open-grained and has a semi-smooth feel after it has been finished. Oak stains easily and evenly with a pronounced grain. Some color variation from reddish-tan to medium brown is possible in its natural state. Occasional pin knots and mineral streaks are also characteristic of oak.
MDF
MDF doors are Produced using a high quality 3/4” MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) After door preparation, the MDF is painted with two layers of top primer then final top coat of lacquer base paint.