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Wood types

There are dozens of wood types that are used for the cabinet manufacturing. The most commonly used woods in the U.S. are Oak, Maple, Pine, Cherry, Hickory, Poplar, Alder and Birch. Among these woods, Hickory and Oak are the hardest and heaviest woods. Cherry, Birch and Maple are also fine hard woods, which suites well for manufacturing cabinets. Alder and Poplar are less expensive, more plentiful woods and gives good results for glazed finishes with distressing. But these woods does not absorb stains in full coverage or properly. Pine is known for its rustic appearance, and provides wonderful look to the cabinets. But the Pine is a soft wood and will be more easily dented and scratched; even with high quality conversion varnish finishes. Though many people choose Pine for its 'old time' appearance and also for the reason that, it may age a little more quickly than hardwoods, especially when used for cabinets in a busy kitchen environment.

Wood commonly develops a darkening color or what the professionals called the patina. Woods such as cherry and pine develop this phenomenon more quickly than others. These two woods can be expected to darken for a year or two after installation. The degree of there darkness depends upon many factors like the stains and finish. But the best quality finishes contain Ultra Violet inhibitors, which slows down the process of patina. This natural process of patina can be made less noticeable by applying darker finish.