Woods & Finishes Gallery

For painted cabinets, what’s underneath the finish matters. Our Colourtone finishes provide a… smooth, durable surface that outperforms traditional paint Paint-grade wood (like Hard Maple) offers strength and structure, while MDF provides the smoothest possible finish with no visible grain. MDF also helps minimize the possibility of joint fracture over time, making it an excellent choice for maintaining a clean, consistent painted look. Important Information about Paint Finishes.  READ MORE

Alder offers a smooth, consistent grain that closely resembles Cherry, but without the strong red… undertones. Instead, it has a more neutral, warm brown tone—making it a great option if you like the look of Cherry but want something less red and more understated. It takes stain evenly, making it a very predictable and designer-friendly choice, especially for darker finishes. While Alder is softer than woods like Maple or Oak, it is still a true hardwood and performs well in kitchens and baths. Many homeowners choose to enhance Alder with distressing and glazing to create a relaxed, lived-in feel that adds character over time. If you’re looking for warmth, versatility, and a softer take on Cherry’s look, Alder is a strong option.  READ MORE

Bamboo is a great option for homeowners looking for something modern and environmentally conscious.… It offers exceptional hardness and durability, making it well-suited to stand up to daily wear in busy kitchens. Its clean, linear look gives it a distinctly contemporary feel. That said, Bamboo is more limited in styling and accessory options than traditional cabinet woods, so it works best when the design is built around its unique aesthetic.  READ MORE

Cherry is a premium, furniture-grade wood known for its smooth grain and rich, elegant appearance.… It’s a go-to for homeowners looking to elevate their space. Cherry naturally darkens over time with light exposure—adding depth and character. This is part of its appeal, not a flaw.  READ MORE

Hard Maple is one of the most durable and reliable cabinet woods available. Its light color and… subtle grain make it extremely versatile—especially for painted finishes. With medium dark to darker stains, it can show natural variation (“ticking”), which is normal but worth noting if you want uniformity.  READ MORE

Hickory is bold, rugged, and full of natural variation. Its dramatic light/dark contrast creates a… one-of-a-kind look, making it a natural fit for lodge or cabin-style homes. No two kitchens will ever look exactly the same. It’s also one of the hardest domestic woods available, offering exceptional durability. While consistency is not its strength, applying a medium to dark stain can help soften the contrast and create a more balanced, cohesive appearance.  READ MORE

Knotty Pine delivers instant warmth and rustic charm. Its knots and natural imperfections are… exactly what give it character. Because it’s a softer wood, it will show wear over time—but that often enhances its appeal.  READ MORE

Mahogany is a premium hardwood with a straight, fine grain and deep reddish tone. It brings a… refined, furniture-quality feel to any space. It’s also naturally resistant to moisture and decay, making it as functional as it is beautiful.  READ MORE

Red Birch offers naturally rich, warm tones that often don’t need stain. Most homeowners choose a… clear finish to highlight its natural beauty. It’s a more premium option, but a great alternative to Cherry with a slightly different look.  READ MORE

Red Oak is a classic hardwood known for its strength, affordability, and bold grain. It stains… extremely well and offers excellent durability. While traditional patterns feel more classic, newer cuts can give it a cleaner, more modern appearance.  READ MORE

Soft Maple offers a similar look to Hard Maple at a lower price point. It has a slightly softer… density and warmer undertones. It’s a practical alternative when you want the Maple look while managing budget.  READ MORE

Walnut is a premium hardwood known for its rich, chocolate-brown color and natural elegance. It… looks stunning even without stain, making it a favorite for homeowners who want a bold, organic look. Walnut naturally features variation—ranging from deep brown heartwood to lighter sapwood. This contrast is part of its character and what makes each kitchen unique. Over time, it mellows and softens slightly in tone, aging beautifully. When selecting Walnut, it’s important to understand the difference in grading. Standard Walnut will show more natural contrast, including lighter sapwood streaks alongside darker brown tones. Premium Walnut, on the other hand, is composed almost entirely of heartwood, resulting in a deeper, more uniform appearance with little to no color variation. Premium Walnut is required when ordering our Natural/clear finish.  READ MORE

White Birch has a very similar appearance to Hard Maple, with a light color and subtle, even grain.… It takes stain slightly more evenly than Maple and performs well in lighter to mid-tone finishes. However, because it looks so similar to Hard Maple and typically comes at a higher price point, it’s most often used when matching existing cabinetry or furniture rather than as a primary selection.  READ MORE

White Oak offers the same strength and prominent grain as Red Oak, but with a more neutral, less… reddish tone. This makes it a popular choice for homeowners who like Oak’s durability and texture but want a more modern color palette. It’s available in plain sawn, quartersawn, and rift cut options—allowing you to dial in the exact grain style, from traditional to clean and linear.  READ MORE