While we have the strongest warranty in the industry, wood color variation, color change, grain direction variations, and normal imperfections are not considered defects and not covered under our warranty. We purchase lumber grades higher than industry standards and do our best to keep extreme grain and color variations off the same cabinet.

WOOD GRAIN, COLOR AND FINISHES

Natural wood grains have been providing the unique characteristics and charm in furniture that have been appreciated for centuries. Recently, it seems that the trend towards perfection may be moving us away from the appreciation of natural materials.

Understanding wood grain and color as well as what impact grain direction, light and age has on wood will help you appreciate its natural beauty.

There are no two trees that have ever grown the same or produced the same grain pattern or color. Even within the same tree there will be big variations. The fact that some get close says a great deal for modern harvesting and processing techniques.

WOOD GRAIN

GRAIN DIRECTION

The angle that light hits the wood combined with viewing angle will make a big difference in the color the wood appears. We have two types of doors that can be affected by this in different ways.

	Multi-Piece doors. On each face there are three pieces of wood with vertical grain (two stiles and the center panel). There are two horizontal pieces - the rails. The color differences between the vertical and horizontal pieces are usually quite noticeable. While looking at the cabinet, remove a door or drawer and while still next to its cousins - rotate piece 90° (1/4 turn). The darker becomes the lighter and the lighter becomes the darker.
	Solid (slab) doors. These doors are solid wood and made up of strips approximately 3" wide that are glued together. The reason for the strips is to prevent warping and end splitting over a wide piece of wood. Look at the end grain at the top and bottom of the door - or sides of drawer faces - it runs differently on each strip thus keeping it stable. Alternating strips of wood will produce different shades on the piece (even if the strips are cut from the same board.)

WOOD COLOR MATURING PROCESS

Freshly finished wood - with or without a coloring stain - is not the same color it will be in a year, five years or even 20 years from now. Wood naturally ages, darkens, changes color and mellows over time. This is primarily due to exposure to light. UV inhibitors are used in the finishes to slow this natural change but will not prevent it.

Natural Maple Begins as a golden light yellow. Changes very slowly to a darker yellow with most change taking place in years 2-3 through 5. Sunlight is strongest agent.

Natural Cherry begins light (almost golden) and changes fairly rapidly to a richer brown/red tone. Most dramatic change occurs in months 2-6, depending on light exposure, peaking at about one year. Any light source creates the change.

Dark Cherry begins strong reddish/brown and begins mellowing in about one month. Will continue to become richer in brown and red tones peaking at around 12 - 18 months. Tone variations usually mellow in about 6 months.

Light Oak begins a golden color and moves very slowly and consistently toward a darker gold but not a wide swing. Remember, as these changes take place the natural color variations begin to get closer together.

IMPERFECTIONS

Again, wood is natural. Checks (small surface splits), pitch pockets (small dark holes), or darker mineral streaks are natural and add to the beauty of the product.