LET’S TALK WOOD

Back before Surface Source Design Center, I thought all wood looked the same! When Alan would say “That is a beautiful cherry dresser” or “Look at that oak floor” -I thought he was BRILLIANT!  Now, 16 years later,I know his secret:  he learned the differences in grain, texture and color of different woods from years of construction experience.  Now I can pass some of that knowledge on to you so when you are trying to pick a wood for your home, whether cabinets or flooring, you have a background knowledge that will help you choose.
OAK: Oak has a heavy grain, which you can easily feel.  Most popular would be a red oak or white oak. Red oak will have a soft gold tone which can darken over time.

RED OAK

WHITE OAK

SHAKER-STYLE RED OAK DOOR

MAPLE:  Maple has slight graining and is smooth to the touch.  It can be stained many different colors and takes that stain very evenly

STAINED MAPLE FLOORING

CHERRY: Cherry is often used for furniture because of its strength and beauty. : Cherry has a similar graining as maple but with a stronger red undertone.   One thing to note: when using a natural finish or light stain- the red tone will darken over time quite a bit!  Darker stains hide that darkening so use a cranberry or espresso stain if you are worried about that.

NATURAL CHERRY 

STAINED WOOD COUNTERTOP

HICKORY: Hickory is a very hard, durable wood. It also has LOTS of color variation when used in cabinets, furniture or flooring. For those unafraid of variation

NATURAL HICKORY

HICKORY FLOOR

Hickory also comes in Rustic style- so all the knots, dark colors and streaks are prominent. Most often, customers choose NOT to stain this gorgeous wood

RUSTIC HICKORY

RUSTIC HICKORY WET BAR

ALDER: Alder has the look of rustic hickory including the knots but with the consistent coloring of maple. Great for those intimidated by the Rustic Hickory but still want ing a country feel. Great with or without a stain
There are many other woods available out there but these are the most commonly used in flooring, cabinets and even some in countertops. Now you know what Alan knows: each wood has a color, feel and grain that makes it different from other wood! We hope this helps you when it’s time to come to Surface Source Design Center and choose the wood for your home!