Category Archives: Different Wood Species

“Different Wood Species” Oak

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Oak is one of the most popular hardwood floors, and for a very good reason. Its neutral coloring and durability make it an easy choice for any house and lifestyle. It is often used in kitchen designs because it can accommodate high traffic areas and looks great with wood cabinets.

This woods durability not only comes from its extreme hardness and density, but also from the amount of tannin in it, which is a chemical that repels insects and fungi. Oak is also extremely easy to install, which adds to its durability.

Oak is produced in two colors, red and white. Red oak has a pinkish tinge to it, while the white variation is slightly brown. What makes oak considerably distinct is the rays that grace the grain of the wood. Each cut creates a different pattern on the wood, though red oak’s rays are more distinct and white oak’s rays are longer. Depending on the cut, the grain can be tight or have tiger-like stripes.

Finish takes very well to oak, and most companies stain the wood in order to give it a darker coloring. Both species are used in  traditional settings, and can take on the wear and tear of a busy household.

Oak is an affordable flooring choice for any remodeling project. Does oak sound like the type of floor for you? Come in to KC Cabinetry today!

- Cassandra Cordova, KC Cabinetry Intern

“Different Wood Species” German Beech

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Continuing our work with “Different Wood Species,” our new addition is German, or European, Beech.

This beautiful white wood is native to Western Europe, hence its name. However, it also grows in Western Asia as well. It is usually a pale cream or light brown, though when it is steamed (to relieve drying stress) it turns into a pinkish-red color. It has a fine, short grain that makes it easy to work with. Nails, varnish, dyes, and glue work very well with this wood. Its finish is always smooth. Used to mimic other expensive looking woods, as its light color allows for many different finishes. European Beech has a intermediate hardness, making it applicable for everyday use.

Here are some photos of KC Cabinetry’s work with Beech cabinets. Come in today if you would like to add this beautiful wood to your home!

Cassandra Cordova, Kc Cabinetry Intern

“Different Wood Species” Walnut

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When one thinks of walnuts, the food is what most people are reminded of. However, in the kitchen renovation world, Walnut brings to mind either a dark, chocolate brown of its heartwood or the soft white sapwood, with dark streaks and swirls that add to its unique beauty.

A beautiful Walnut floor and countertop in a Denver home

Long ago, the walnut tree was thought to produce fertility, as its toxins prevented other trees from growing around it and therefore increased its own growth. The only dark wood native to North America, It has long been used for furniture, hardwood flooring, and cabinets, and for good reason. Not only is this beautiful, straight grained wood easy to work with, it also takes to finish extremely well. The darker wood is great when contrasted with lighter wood. When it is steamed, the wood comes out darker, which enhances the warmth it adds to any room. There can also be purple accents in this wood. The price for Walnut is usually moderate, which is always a plus. The darker color covers up any scratches or dings that may appear. This wood will definitely add value to your home.

However, this wood is not for everyone. As it is a softer wood, walnut floors should not be placed in areas of high traffic. If your home already has dark wood furniture, the colors could clash with the walnut. Come in to KC Cabinetry today and see how Walnut flooring can make your home as Unique as You Are.

- Cassandra Cordova, KC Cabinetry itern

“Different Wood Species” Alder

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Throughout the next months, we will be discussing different types of wood that one can use for flooring or kitchen cabinets. This section of blogs will be part of the “Different Wood Species” series. The first “Different Wood Species” wood will be Alder hardwood.

Alder goes by many names, such as Western Alder, or Oregon Alder When it is first cut, the wood is white, but as it is exposed to air it darkens slightly anywhere from a pale yellow to a reddish-brown color. It is very consistent in color, though it can lighten with age and exposure to light. The grain is soft and straight, and can have small knots (1/4″ diameter). It is very smooth and when it is stained, it takes the color very well. It is a good working wood, though it is a softer hardwood and therefore easy to dent. Nails stay in with relative ease and therefore make it a good wood to use for flooring.

The lighter Alder gives the room a rustic look. It is perfect for rooms that you are trying to give a casual / country look. The darker alders have a classier appeal to them, and are great if you want to have cherry wood in your home but want a better value.

Knotty Alder, as the name suggests, has larger, but secure, knots throughout the wood. It has the same qualities as regular alder, but the knots are partially filled with black resin in order to secure it. The knots are not excessive, but have a classy appeal to them. The look furthers the rustic feel of the wood, and works very well with doors and cabinets.

KC Cabinetry offers many different brands of alder for you and your home. If you are thinking about a kitchen remodel contact KC Cabinetry today to learn more about it!

- Cassandra Cordova, KC Cabinetry intern

“Different Types of Wood” Cherry

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We’re back again with our “Different Types of Wood” Series, this time introducing the beautiful Cherry.

This wood has been used for centuries, dating back to the ancient Greeks. They used this wood for furniture making, and found that the longer the wood was in the sun, the darker the hue became. Cherry can range from yellowish white (its sapwood counterpart) to a deep reddish brown (from the heartwood), though it is usually known for its darker hues that grow darker as they age. It has very distinctive markings that come from the tree’s gum streaks and sometimes pin knots. Usually, one wants to keep the finish for Cherry light or natural. Anything darker would take away from the wood’s natural beauty! Luckily, this wood takes finish very easily. It has a smooth texture as well, which adds to the sleek, elegant feel of the wood.

Cherry is a moderately hard wood with a very tight and closed grain. It is a great wood to work with, however it shouldn’t be used for the entire flooring, since it is not hard enough to withstand a lot of foot traffic. However, Cherry is excellent for accents, decorations, and of course, cabinets.

It should be noted that while Cherry is a beautiful wood, it is much more expensive than many woods used for cabinets and kitchen remodels. The craftsmanship used to create the furniture or cabinets is what makes the wood so expensive. However, the price should not deter you from purchasing such a beautiful wood. Come into KC Cabinetry today and we can help you decide the perfect type of wood for your home.

- Cassandra Cordova, KC Cabinetry intern www.kccabinetry.com