Wood Species
We believe that building quality cabinetry requires the best material. We pride ourselves in hand selecting the finest hardwoods. Our core wood species include Maple, Cherry, Alder, Hickory, and Oak. Other species available upon request.
It is important to note that all wood species age in different manners and speeds. All woods will either darken over time or “mellow” into a more yellow or tan hue. These changes are not defects in the wood and are part of the natural beauty of real hardwood.
It is important to note that all wood species age in different manners and speeds. All woods will either darken over time or “mellow” into a more yellow or tan hue. These changes are not defects in the wood and are part of the natural beauty of real hardwood.
Maple
is a close, uniform-grained hardwood that varies in color from white to cream into light brown. Maple may exhibit small areas that are reminiscent of bird’s eyes, curly grain, and may contain random small black mineral streaks. Maple begins as a golden yellow and will darken slowly over years with the most rapid change in years 2-3. Maple is stable and durable. |  Unfinished Maple |
Cherry
ranges in color from white (sapwood) to reddish cherry heartwood and on to a deep, rich brown and may have pitch pockets. Exposure to natural light in the home will cause the color of the wood to darken over time. The natural wood colors will deepen, turning the darker areas of the wood a dark, reddish brown while the lighter areas darken to shades of yellow and brown. Cherry stands up well to heavy use. |  Unfinished Cherry |
Alder
is characterized by its straight grain and even texture. Its appearance can range from pale red to reddish brown with an indistinct boundary between heartwood and softwood. Alder is a softer wood that maple or cherry and can dent relatively easily, but offers a stable surface for stain. Alder is available in clear or knotty. |  Unfinished Alder |
Hickory
is a dense, heavy-wood with both closed and open wood grain. The natural color of this wood has a wide spectrum, ranging from hues of white to chocolate brown joined together to create a nice look. This wood has mineral streaks, and random knots that are naturally occurring and add to the wood’s appeal. |  Unfinished Hickory |
Oak
is very strong, open-grained wood that ranges in color from salmon pink to white. It is sometimes streaked with green, yellow, and black mineral deposits and may contain knots and wild grain veins that are naturally occurring characteristics of the wood. |  Unfinished Oak |
Poplar
is characterized by its straight grain and even texture and light weight. Its appearance is white to a slightly amber grain pattern. Poplar is a softer wood than maple and cherry and can dent relatively easily, but offers a stable surface for stain. Poplar is a good value with budget conscious consumers. |  Unfinished Poplar |
Walnut
is heartwood that can be dark brown and sapwood that is light and grain varies from straight to wavy. |  Unfinished Walnut |
Mahogany
is the only exotic specie Blue River offers, has an exceptionally straight grain, free of voids and pockets with reddish-brown color. |  Unfinished Mahogany |
Quarter Sawn Oak
displays a straight grain with some visible flake pattern in the grain. This is due to the unique process used to produce the lumber. |  Unfinished Quarter Sawn Oak |
