The Nature of Wood is what makes every kitchen unique. No two trees are identical, so natural variations in grain, texture, and colour are expected in all wood products. These variations are not defects, but rather proof of the wood’s authenticity and beauty.
Understanding Wood Cabinet Construction
Wood cabinetry may be crafted from solid wood, wood veneer, or a combination of both. Cabinet doors and fronts vary in construction based on design style and budget, ranging from full veneer wood to solid wood. Read more about Wood Cabinet Doors, What You Should Know.
Flat panel doors, finished ends, and toe kicks often feature veneer panels. Veneer tends to absorb stain more easily than solid wood, sometimes appearing slightly darker. This contrast, particularly between stiles and rails, is a natural result of material behaviour and not a defect. If this contrast is bothersome, consider avoiding a slim shaker door style and opt for a door with wider stiles and rails instead. The narrower the margin, the more noticeable the variation in stain will be.
Understanding Colour and Samples
Colour perception is personal. Lighting conditions, such as natural daylight, LED, incandescent, or fluorescent, can alter how your cabinetry looks. This is especially true with stained wood, where colour depth and warmth may shift under different lighting.
Small sample chips are a helpful starting point, but should be used as a guideline only. They may reflect the lightest or darkest tones possible in your final cabinetry. A full sample door offers a more accurate representation, though even this will vary from the final product you receive. For best results, make decisions in your actual lighting conditions.
Keep in mind that samples may have changed over time, fading with exposure to light or environmental conditions. Always verify the currentness of the sample before making final decisions.
The Natural Aging Process of Wood
Wood continues to evolve after installation. Exposure to light, air, and environmental factors like cooking vapours or smoke causes cabinetry to mature and change colour over time. This is normal and expected. Some wood species have a naturally higher rate of change or patina, such as Cherry Wood, which darkens with time. Black Walnut will turn yellow, however, adding a stain can help reduce this. Evaluating the rate of change you can tolerate will help you select the best wood species.
Unique Characteristics of Wood
Depending on the species of wood, natural occurrences such as mineral streaks, sapwood, pin knots, worm holes, wild grain, tiger stripes, colour variation, colour graduation, knot shadows, gum/pitch pockets, medullary rays, and the unique striping pattern of hickory veneer, and more can occur.
Is Wood Right for You?
Choose wood cabinetry if you value natural character and variation. Those looking for uniformity may prefer painted or engineered materials, which are good wood alternatives or faux woods.
Wood is sensitive to its environment. Homes with consistent humidity levels between 40–50% are best suited to protect cabinetry from warping, shrinking, or cracking. While this won’t eliminate movement entirely, it will minimize it. Natural materials will continue to move as they age, and real wood is no exception.
Common Wood Species Used in Cabinetry
Oak
- Dense, hard, and durable with an open grain.
- Prominent texture shows through both light and dark stains.
- Greater colour variation in stained finishes due to opposing grain direction in door construction.
Maple
- Known for its smooth, consistent surface.
- Varying grain patterns and pin knots add to the beauty of Maple.
- Tends to expand and contract more than other woods.
- Light stains enhance wood variation; darker stains can appear uneven.
Cherry
- Naturally warm tone that darkens over time.
- Features pin knots, gum pockets, and mineral streaks.
- Includes sapwood, which remains lighter and may not darken at the same rate.
Hickory
- Extremely strong and heavy wood.
- Highly contrasting colours from sapwood and heartwood.
- Can have wild and less predictable grain patterns.
- Veneer panels will appear striped due to book matching and grain shifts.
If you love it and want more, consider Rustic Hickory for even more visual interest. If you don’t, choose a darker stain to mute this effect, another wood species, paint, or a wood alternative.
Alder
- A softer hardwood with medium density.
- Warm honey to reddish-brown tone.
- Can have wormholes and natural imperfections.
- Lower impact resistance, therefore, small dents and scratches will occur more easily.
Black Walnut
- A strong, hard, durable wood without being excessively heavy.
- Rich brown tones with streaks of lighter sapwood.
- Closed, straight grain pattern often with dramatic swirls.
- It can be a light to dark chocolate brown within the same piece.
- Ages beautifully, developing a deeper patina over time, and will turn yellow over time and may fade significantly with exposure to sunlight and air.
Rift Cut White Oak
- Cut to minimize grain variation and display vertical, linear grain.
- Exhibits a finer, straighter grain than regular Oak.
- Has noticeable variations in colour, texture, and grain.
- Occasional flicking (medullary rays), sound knots, pin knots, and tiger striping will occur.
Final Thoughts
The Nature of Wood is both timeless and ever-changing. If you’re drawn to the warmth and character that real wood brings, it may be the perfect choice for your space. To learn more about your wood cabinetry options, visit one of our Corporate Showrooms and Design Studios in Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary or Winnipeg to experience each species in person. If you can’t make it to a corporate store, contact one of our Authorized Dealer Partners.
