Alder is a soft hardwood with a fine, straight-grain and even texture. Color is light brown with a yellow or reddish tinge, with little difference between heartwood and sapwood. Alder does not evolve in color or darken when exposed to light or heat as other woods do, and takes stains and finishes well. It is one of the softest hardwoods so care must be taken to avoid damage. Some small tight knots can be found with standard Alder. Alder finishes looks lovely on contemporary kitchen cabinets.
 

Cherry displays a distinctive grain pattern and warm color shadings, ranging from nearly white to dark reddish brown. Dark pockets, pin knots and random streaks are common, More than most woods, cherry will darken when exposed to light, especially in light stains. Rustic Cherry will have at least one knot on the door and drawer fronts. Wide color variation may occur, and sap wood will be more prominent. Rails and stiles are free of knots for ease of attaching hardware. Slab headers may contain knots, which could impact hardware placement. Knots will be solid and will be closed. At certain angles light could be visible through the knot. Cherry Milan in Natural finish or darker tones like Java creates a perfect look for contemporary kitchen cabinets.

Hickory is a heavy, strong hardwood known for flowing, vibrant grain patterns and dramatic color variation. Hickory can also exhibit random pecks, burls and mineral streaks. Hickory's color ranges across a wide spectrum, from nearly white to dark brown. Rustic hickory will have at least one true knot in the center panel of the kitchen cabinets. Rails and stiles are free of knots for ease of attaching hardware. Slab headers may contain knots, which could impact hardware placement on kitchen cabinets. Knots will be solid and will be closed. At certain angles light could be visible through the knot. Hickory finishes are striking on contemporary bathroom cabinets.

Maple is a versatile hardwood with a fine, smooth grain. Maple varies in color from nearly white to a slightly reddish brown. Mineral or sugar streaks occur naturally in maple and can vary from piece to piece. This is more noticeable in lighter stains of our bathroom and kitchen cabinets. Maple Tempo in Natural also creates a wonderful look for contemporary kitchen cabinets. 

Red oak is a strong hardwood with a long, linear grain, often displaying tiny rays. Oak, at times, has small pinholes and tight knots. Oak coloration can range from golden blond to deeper tones. Quarter sawn red oak is milled at an angle 60 to 90 degrees from the grain allowing rays and flecks to become visible. Glazing, especially in the darker shades, tends to enhance the additional grain patterns of kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

Solid color finishes include tinted varnishes, tinted varnishes with glaze and thermo foil. Like our other finishes solid color finishes have a coating of catalyzed varnish to help protect the finish. Solid color is susceptible to wear and will more easily show nicks, dents, chips and rub-throughs especially on sharp corners and edges.

Specialty finishes use techniques to simulate the wear and tear seen on used and well-loved pieces of cabinetry. Burnished and broken edges, rounded corners, light chain distressing, spattering and light sanding may be employed, depending on the finish selected. In contrast to cabinet finishes that display a look and feel of contemporary kitchen cabinets, our specialty finishes will add nostalgic beauty and warmth to your kitchen.                  

Our luxury kitchen cabinets come in a wide variety of finishes. However, the color palette will only be as accurate as the monitor they are viewed from. As you consider a finish for your luxury kitchen cabinets or bathroom, remember variation is a natural characteristic of wood. Please consult with a Creative Cabinetry  Specialist to view actual wood samples for a better idea of what to expect. As we continually seek to improve materials and production methods, Creative Cabinetry reserves the right to change specifications and add or remove offerings without notice.