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Color and Grain Characteristics | |
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| Color and grain patterns are the primary factors
influencing the appearance of wood. Other characteristics such
as stains, burls, and insect damage also have an effect. All
are variable, not only in different commercial groups of wood,
but within a given species, log, or board. (This infinite natural
variety is one of wood's greatest selling points). Each cabinet
contains wood color variation that may be either enhanced or
hidden when the finish color is applied. Color Variation Influences The natural causes of color variation within a species are influenced by many factors. Soil types, minerals, water levels, available sunlight, temperature, and genetic composition, all contribute to color variation. Hardwood trees regenerate from seeds, root sprouts, and stump sprouts. Trees originating from seeds contain genetic variables from two parent trees, while sprouts from roots and stumps will be genetically identical to the parent tree. Because of these variables, trees of the same species from one area may be quite different from that of other areas. The actual color variations are caused by natural chemical extractives found in the cell walls of wood. The hues produced through these deposits cover a wide range and are traceable to four spectral colors: red, orange, yellow, and violet. Other natural influences such as fungi may also contribute to some color variations. The range of color variation in a commercial lumber group may be increased by the mixing of species, such as northern red oak and pin oak within the red oak commercial group. Logs of these species are normally not separated by sawmills. This mixed lumber will increase the color variation in products manufactured from this material. Grain Variation Influences Grain variation, like color variation, is influenced by many factors. They include, but are not limited to, tree size, growth rate, climate changes, site conditions, genetics, bird, insect, and fire damage. |
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