Oak - Oak is the most popular hardwood in cabinetry choices. It is recognized by its prominent grain and apparent texture. Since no two pieces of wood are identical, oak cabinetry will have variations in grain, color and consistency. You may notice color variations in the same cabinet, or in the same door panel.

Knotty Pine - Pine is a soft wood that ranges from white to dark gold in color. It has occasional knots that are very dark in color. Normal shipping and handling of Pine will result in some marks and abrasions due to its softness. This is the reason many manufacturers distress their Pine doors.

Maple - Maple is distinguished by its smooth, tight grain. One of the inherent characteristics of Maple is mineral streaks which occur naturally in the wood and are not considered a defect, yet may darken when stained. The hardness of Maple makes it more resistant to accepting stains evenly, and dark stain colors may appear "blotchy" as a result.

Cherry - Cherry is a smooth, evenly grained hardwood used by furniture makers for years because of its beauty. Cherry can display mineral streaks and color variations that run from light to very dark Cherry is known for warm, reddish tones which mellow and darken with age. When exposed to bright light including sunlight, the darkening process can significant.

Hickory - Standard grade Hickory has contrasting colors that will be present within panels, stiles, rails, doors and finished ends. Mineral streaks and small sound knots, or pin knots may be present. Grain patterns will vary from normal to "wild".

Quarter-Sawn Oak - Quarter-Sawn Oak is created by cutting the oak tree in specified manner to produce a tight-grained appearance with little or no diagonal graining present. Quarter-Sawn is extremely popular for Mission and Shaker Style cabinetry.

Cabinets Terms

Concealed Hinge: Hinge type that has no exposed parts when the door is closed.

Dovetail: A method of wood joinery using a flared projection that fits into a matching indentation to form a strong joint frequently used in quality drawer construction.

Face Frame: The front structural rails and stiles of a cabinet to which doors and drawers are generally attached.

Hardwood: Wood of broad leaved trees, Oak, Ash, Maple, Walnut, as contrasted to the softwood of the needle leaved trees. Hardwoods are used for cabinet doors, drawers and frames. Tops, sides and bottoms are more often plywood.

Knife Hinge: Semi-concealed hinge with only a small part exposed when the door is closed.

Knot: Natural growth characteristics of wood that occurs where a branch case was imbedded in the trunk of the tree.

Laminate: Layers of wood, plastic, or other materials bound together, usually having heat and pressure simultaneously applied.

Mineral Streaks: A dark discoloration of wood, caused by chemical changes.

Miter: A joint formed by two pieces of wood or other product being cut at an angle.

Mullion Door: A door that has the center panel removed in preparation for a glass or other insert which also has horizontal and vertical wooden strips to give the look of multiple openings.

Rail: The horizontal framing members of the cabinet face frame assembly.

Stile: The vertical framing members of the cabinet face frame assembly.