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.