Material Characteristics
Cherry
Cherry has a rich color and smooth, flowing grain patterns. Color varies from light pink to dark brown; variations are more prominent with lighter stains. Cherry will darken or mellow with age, a change that is more noticeable with light stains and which usually takes place within the first six months. Sun exposure greatly accelerates this process. Mineral streaks, pitch pockets, pin knots and sap wood all occur naturally in cherry and are acceptable characteristics.
Maple
Maple has a smooth texture with tight, uniform grain patterns that make it ideal for painting. It is generally creamy white, varying slightly from almost bright white to light pink or reddish brown. Maple contains a natural resin that causes wood to turn amber as it ages. This change, which is accelerated by exposure to natural light, is more noticeable with lighter stains. Maple may occasionally contain small mineral streaks that form naturally when trees absorb minerals from the soil.
Oak (Red)
Oak is characterized by its open grain patterns, which vary from close-knit and vertical, to prominent and arched, with colors from light tan and pink to medium dark red and brown. Oak may contain small mineral streaks and some pin knots.
Knotty Alder
Knotty alder when finished, is a rich-looking wood that blends well with cherry. It has a very uniform light brown color with a reddish tinge and has a fairly straight-grained, uniform texture. Knotty alder may contain pin knots, open and closed knots of various sizes, checking and mineral streaks; these are typical and not considered defects. Some knots may be in locations which affect hardware placement.
Painted
Painted products have certain inherent characteristics that must be expected. Small hairline cracks may appear where wood joints occur in door/drawer fronts. Also, some grain patterns of wood may be apparent through painted finishes. Lighter painted finishes should be expected to show a slight color change over time. These characteristics are inherent and will not be considered defective.