February 4, 2019

Wood Species

Alder

Has a straight, fine-textured grain. The wood is pale when first cut but will darken to a light brown. Sapwood is not visually distinguishable from the heartwood. It has a lusterless surface, with dark lines or streaks formed by broad rays. Tight pin knots are sometimes present.

Curly Maple

Has the same characteristics as soft maple except that it contains a wavy or curly appearance. This “figure” can range from faint to very heavy.

Genuine Mahogany

Usually has a high-luster straight grain, but irregularities such as wave, curl, and ribbons can be present. Can vary in color from a light reddish- or yellowish- brown to dark reddish-brown with no distinct break between sapwood and heartwood. Will darken with age.

Red Oak

Has a coarse open grain. Heartwood is usually light brown with a pink or red tinge. Sapwood is light to virtually white. Small pin knots and small mineral streaks are common.

Walnut

Grain is usually straight but can sometimes be wavy or curly. Heartwood is chocolate brown, occasionally with darker, sometimes purplish streaks. Sapwood is white to yellowish-brown. Dark blemishes are often present.

Cherry

Has a tight, straight, closed grain. Heartwood is a pale pink when first cut but will darken to a deep reddish brown, often with a greenish tint. Sapwood can be nearly white. Pitch pockets are common. An occasional burl can be present.

Eastern White Pine

Is relatively uniform in texture with a straight grain and moderately soft. Heartwood is light brown often with a reddish tinge. Will darken considerably with age. Sapwood is nearly white to pale yellowish-white. Tight red knots of various sizes are always present.

Hickory

Typically has a straight, rather coarse grain, but occasionally can be wavy or irregular. Heartwood is brown or reddish-brown. Sapwood is clearly distinguishable from heartwood, usually nearly white in color. Expect very distinct color variations on all items made from this species.

Soft Maple

A close-grained wood. Heartwood varies from a light to very dark gray. Sapwood is very light, usually with a hint of pink and sometimes light gray. Pith flecks are frequently present. Curly or wavy character occurs occasionally.