Wilmington, N.C. - Wood selection has a tremendous impact on aesthetics of your cabinetry. Ones wood choice, along with finish and door style can dramatically change the look and feel of a room

Open Grain is a textured surface where owners will be able to see and feel the grain. Examples are Oak and Hickory. If a customer paints an oak cabinet, they will tend to see and feel the grain come through the paint.

Closed Grain is more of a smooth surface. The grain is still viewable but are less likely to feel the pattern. It won't be completely smooth as some wood character may come through. Maple and Cherry are common closed grain wood species. Most solid wood cabinets that are painted use some form of Maple so the feel of the grain pattern doesn't come through the finish.

Exposure to Light Sources – For example, cherry mellows or darkens with age. Although the gradual change begins almost immediately, it is often hard to detect. If one opens a cherry cabinet doors and look at the face frame or back of the door. The impact of light exposure will be evident after about 6 months to a year.

Knots in the Wood -- Knots denote where limbs have grown from the tree trunk and they add character and are often sought by homeowners who want a "knotty" look.

Poplar- On of the less expensive hardwood species. This wood species is a smooth, fine-grain wood with a relatively smooth texture and is mostly light in color but is also features dramatic color variation. Applying darker stained finished or painted finishes to the wood help minimize these color ships.

Oak-This hardwood is one of the most popular species used today. Oak is renowned for its dramatically pronounced grain pattern. Very durable and strong, oak accepts stains evenly and produces a uniformed looked.

Maple – A dense hardwood that has a prolonged life. It has a smooth texture and uniformed grain. The grain is fine and is similar to cherry and birch. It may exhibit random darker streaks and worm track patterns. Over time, Maple will mellow in color due to natural exposure to light and air.

All of these elements make up the natural beauty of the wood. By choosing the wood species that best matches ones personality and that of their home, homeowners can stand back and watch their kitchen or bath come to life.

Source: MarKraft Cabinets