Cherry is a smooth, evenly grained hardwood known for its warm and rich look. Heartwood can range from a deep red to reddish-brown in color. Variations in color should be expected in cherry cabinets. Cherry will darken significantly with age and the color variations will become more pronounced. It commonly has pinholes and pitch pockets, similar to mineral streaks in maple.
Walnut is smooth grained with a rich and warm appeal. Color can range from deep chocolate brown to light reddish-gray brown. While care is taken to eliminate it, sapwood areas may be present and range in hue from light yellow to light brown. As it ages, walnut will
Maple is characterized by its smooth, even and fine grain pattern. Natural maple can have some significant color variation. These color variations are accentuated by stains. The darker the stain, the more predominant these variations become. Mineral streaks, thin dark streaks or areas, are common and appear darker when stained. To some people these mineral streaks appear to be a defect in the wood, but they are a natural characteristic.

Edgewood uses only the highest grades of hardwoods and veneers when building your cabinets. Although there are more including rustic and knotty variations here is a sample of the most commonly used hardwoods in todays cabinets. Just as no two trees are alike, no two pieces of wood are alike. Some species of wood have more variation in color and graining than others and of course, each species has its own characteristics that make it unique and special.
Hickory/Pecan is one of the stronger hardwoods. It is characterized by dramatic color variations ranging from white sapwood to reddish brown heartwood, even in the same piece of wood. Hickory/Pecan will
Oak has intense and predominant grain patterns. Color variations are present and noticeable, particularly in natural finishes. Colors can range from reds to grays. Oak is one of the strongest, and still remains the most popular, hardwood for cabinets.
Alder has a straight fine textured grain similar to cherry and maple. Although classified as a hardwood, it is moderately light in weight and considerably softer than other species. Care must be taken with Alder wood as it will dent and mar easily. Alder has a uniform honey color, and does take most finish colors well.