Wood Info
For those not familiar with the characteristics of wood and specific species of wood, this page describes in detail the hardwood species we offer our products in, the effects aging has on wood color, and varied appearance due to grain.
Hardwoods
We offer products in the following woods. Additional woods are available for floors − see The Flooring Mill's gallery page for a list of wood options and accompanying pictures.
Since the grain varies with the profile, there are two pictures of each type of wood. Face grain pictures are on the left, edge grain pictures on the right.
Ash
A coarse but generally straight-grained wood with almost-white sapwood. With a very open grain, it is very similar to the more popular Oak.
Pictures of ash finishes
Basswood
Fine straight grain with even texture. Very soft and often has brown spots and streaks. Usually painted or covered with linen or silk.
Pictures of basswood finishes
Cherry
Fine-textured wood that is usually straight-grained. Pinkish-brown to light red with occasional black gum lines or pockets. A rich character is enhanced by aging.
Pictures of cherry finishes
Honduran Mahogany
A medium-textured softer hardwood. Reddish-brown to deep red. Characteristic dark color is brought on by aging.
Pictures of Honduran mahogany finishes
Maple
Hard, heavy, fine-textured wood. White to off-white coloring.
Pictures of maple finishes
Bird's Eye Maple
A rare phenomenon probably caused by a genetic disorder. The wood has "dimples" perpendicular to the annual rings which creates the illusion of circular "eyes."
Pictures of bird's eye maple finishes
Curly Maple
Also known as flamed maple, fiddleback, or tiger stripe. The growth of the wood fibers is distorted in an undulating pattern, producing wavy lines.
Pictures of curly maple finishes
Oak, Red
Straight grain with coarse texture; very hard. What most people think of when you say "hardwood."
Pictures of red oak finishes
Walnut
Somewhat coarse and usually straight-grained, but can be very wavy. Rich dark brown to purplish satin black, occasionally tan or streaked with lighter colors.
Pictures of walnut finishes
Color Changes
For some woods, such as Cherry and Mahogany, aging is the crowning touch. Ultraviolet light, oxidation, and handling all contribute to the patina of an old piece of wood, whatever specie it is. However, Cherry and Mahogany respond to these effects more quickly and dramatically than many others. The most obvious resulting color change is usually within the first few years, though minor changes will take place for many years.
In addition to our traditional natural finish, we offer a line of stained finishes that help achieve a similar look without the wait time.
Grain
The grain of wood looks different depending on whether you're looking at the face of the board or the edge of the board. The face of a moulding profile uses a specific side of the board depending on what kind it is, and is specified on each profile page.
Following is a chart of the types of moulding profiles we offer and the side of the board on the face of the profile.
| Backbevels | Face |
| Decorative Caps | Edge |
| Floaters | Edge |
| Stretcher | Face |
| Large Caps | Edge |
| Strainer | Face |
| Spacer | Face |
| Small Caps | Edge |
| Flats | Face |
In the hardwoods section above, there are pictures of both the edge grain and the face grain for each type of wood. There are also two separate pictures for each wood and finish on the finishes page.
Key
This is a key for the wood codes, which can be used in the chop footage calculator or when ordering by fax or email.
| A | Ash |
| B | Basswood |
| C | Cherry |
| H | Mahogany |
| J | Bird's Eye |
| K | Curly Maple |
| M | Maple |
| O | Oak |
| W | Walnut |