Poplar

Poplar hardwood is the softest of the hardwoods. It is most similar to pine (a soft wood) except that poplar has significantly less knots and is a somewhat more stable than pine. Poplar is combined with hardwood plywood for furnishings with a painted finish. When the appearance of its wood grain is desirable, Poplar is also attractive with a stain and polyurethane finish.

Oak

(Red) Oak hardwood is very popular for is distinct good looks, durability (hardness) and affordability. The most unique characteristic of Oak is its open wood grain which gives a textured wood grain finish. Oak provides several finish options. The look of natural oak is achieved by applying a colorless coating of polyurethane in your choice of satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss. Oak can be stained your choice of colors and then protected with a polyurethane coating. Another popular finish for Oak is paint. Painted Oak creates a unique finished surface: although the wood is completely painted, the distinct wood grain texture remains visible. Oak can be painted your choice of colors, however black and white are the two most popular colors.

Maple

Maple hardwood is popular because of the beauty of its occasional ribbon or satin look wood grain. Maple wood has a medium density, hardness and strength. The beauty of natural maple hardwood is protected with a colorless coating of polyurethane in your choice of satin, semi-gloss, or high gloss. The beauty of maple wood grain may be less apparent when a dark color stain is applied.

Birch

Birch hardwood is a heavy, very strong, hard, close-grained wood of even texture. Birch is sometimes used for painted furnishings because of its durability and strength and also because it gives a nice painted finish. Birch is attractive stained also. Its wood grain resembles the pattern of Oak, but unlike Oak its grain gives a smooth texture.

Other Hardwoods

Most other hardwoods such as walnut ($), cherry ($$) and mahogany ($$) are finished with a colorless coating of polyurethane to allow the natural beauty of the wood grain to show. However, some species are attractive with a color stain applied before the polyurethane. Other hardwoods and specialty cut hardwoods are also available. Your design consultant will help you select the best finish for your preferred hardwood.

NOTE:	$	= increases price by approximately 20%
	$$	= increases price by approximately 35%

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