wood species 7867833

ABOUT EXTERIOR DOORS

A Guide to Wood Species

Wood is proving to be a classic, enduring

and eye-catching feature that has struck a

chord with people who want to stand out

from the crowd and live in a house that

feels one-of-a-kind. Homeowners are

looking beyond the traditional woods, such

as pine, oak and fir, to incorporate a wide

variety of wood options into homes. In

addition, luxury homebuilders are using less

familiar wood species to attract buyers and

differentiate their products in a crowded

field. Another design trend is using an

assortment of complementary wood species to create a unique sense of style, warmth and

sometimes a contrasting appearance. For example, mahogany and maple go great together

because their grain patterns match well. Alder and cherry make another attractive combination.

Wood species used in homes vary greatly in terms of characteristics and features. Performance

aspects such as durability, stainability, grain pattern and color stability will vary depending on

the type and the specific characteristics of the tree, including whether it is a softwood or

hardwood. Some wood, such as cherry, tends to change color and darken over time.

Different species also react differently to stain. Softwoods have more resins than hardwoods

and need more preparation before staining. Natural, clear or light stain finishes work well for

species such as pine, while mahogany is better suited for darker stains. Walnut and cherry,

when stained with lighter tones, show a wide degree of interesting color variations.

Mix and match adds drama

A design trend is using an assortment of complementary wood species to create a unique sense

of style, warmth and sometimes a contrasting appearance. Using a variety of wood species in a

home is very similar to selecting colors for a personal wardrobe. Mixing it up, when done with

just a little know-how, is generally much more interesting. For example, mahogany and maple

go great together because their grain patterns match well. Alder and cherry make another

attractive combination. With homeowners requesting open floor plans, kitchens and dens are

popular areas in which to mix and match wood species.

Using unique wood species is one way for you to set yourselves and your homes apart from the

competition. Take the opportunity to learn about wood species and become a valuable resource

for homebuyers or homeowners who want to personalize their homes with wood, but may not

be familiar with which species might look the best. Here is a brief overview of the wood species

available for JELD-WEN windows and doors:

HARDWOODS Produced from deciduous (leaf-bearing) trees

Alder (Clear and Knotty) A popular species today because of its

pronounced grain and uniform texture. This versatile wood species features

a fairly straight grain with areas of burl clusters and small knots. These

marks add character and will provide a darker texture and color when

finished. Alder varies from pale yellow to reddish brown and it accepts

stains exceptionally well. It is also the lightest and least dense. Knotty Alder

presents a more rustic look. When stained, alder blends well with walnut, mahogany and

cherry. Available for: windows, exterior doors, interior doors, patio doors.

A Guide to Wood Species | JELD-WEN Doors & Windows http://www.jeld-wen.com/catalog/exterior-doors/learn-about-exterior-doo...

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Cherry While usually recognized by its darker tone, cherry can be stained

in a variety of shades. The cherry we use varies from rich red to reddish

brown in color. It features a smooth texture with fine, straight and close

grain. Occasionally, thin gum pockets and small clusters of pin knots are

visible. These character marks, along with random blonde streaks of

sapwood, add a distinctive quality to the wood. Cherry will darken over time

with exposure to light and contains miniscule pith marks as identifiers. Cherry stains easily

and smoothly. Available for: windows, exterior doors, interior doors.

Hickory This wood is a relatively smooth hardwood with prominent grain

and it frequently features character marks such as bird pecks, pin knots and

mineral streaks. It has a dramatic color variation which can be minimized

with darker stains and paint finishes. The heartwood is tan or reddish while

the sapwood is white to cream with fine brown lines. This wood features a

closed grain with moderate definition and is rough textured. Available for:

exterior doors, interior doors, patio doors.

Mahogany One of the most recognizable species and is typically used for

the finest furniture and cabinetry. Its color ranges from reddish brown to a

deep, rich red and it stains well for a superior finish. The wood displays a

prominent growth ring figure, with grain that is straight or interlocked. This

wood offers less expansion and contraction than most other hardwoods.

Mahogany is open grained so it needs grain filler when finishing. Available

for: windows, exterior doors, interior doors, patio doors.

Maple A dense hardwood that has a prolonged life. Maple is a hard,

strong wood with a smooth texture and uniform grain. The grain is fine and

is similar to birch and cherry. It may exhibit random darker streaks and

occasional birds-eye or worm track patterns. Over time, maple will mellow

in color due to natural exposure to light and air. Traditionally used for

interior applications. No grain filler required when finishing. Available for:


Oak This hardwood is one of the most popular species used today. Oak is

renowned for its dramatically pronounced grain pattern. This pattern varies

from tight, vertical grain to a beautifully arched pattern. This wood may

also feature pin knots and mineral streaks. The color range includes light

straw and honey with a light pink hue. Very durable and strong, oak

accepts stains evenly and is easy to work with. Available for: windows,


Poplar One of the less expensive hardwood species and often referred to

as affordable cherry. This wood species is a smooth, fine-grained wood

with a relatively smooth texture. It is mostly light in color, but it also

features dramatic color variation. Applying darker stained finishes or

painted finishes to the wood will help minimize these color ships. This wood

is moderately soft, easy to work with and takes paint well. Available for:


Walnut (Clear and Knotty) One of the more beautiful and expensive

species, walnut is traditionally used for fine gun stocks, furniture and

boatbuilding. It is a dense hardwood that is fairly porous. The color varies

from a rich, dark brown to black with purple undertones. Because of the

way it growns, the heartwood of the walnut tree grows darker than the

sapwood on the outer rings. Walnut features attractive blonde sapwood

streaks within the darker tones and it generally has a straight grain with occasional waves

or curls. It requires grain filler when finished. Available for: windows, exterior doors, interior

doors, patio doors.

SOFTWOODS Produced from conifer (cone-bearing) trees

Douglas Fir The texture of this softwood is smooth with a straight, even

grain and knots that create beautiful swirl patterns. This wood is a light,

rosy color that is set off by its remarkably straight and handsome grain

pattern. Will tend to redden over time when exposed to light. Paints easily


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and can hold all types of stains and finishes. A popular choice for front

doors, as it naturally resists weathering. Available for: windows, exterior doors, interior

doors, patio doors.

Juniper Juniper delivers a one-of-a-kind look with unique knots and

splits in addition to large, swirling grain patterns that some wood experts

describe as "sensual." The rich coloring of the grain can vary from lighter

tones to deep cinnamon brown with reddish undertones. The natural

beauty of juniper works well for rustic, historic and traditional styles, such

as Mediterranean, Old World and Lodge architecture. The knotty wood ages gracefully with

warm, deep tones that naturally darken over time, creating a customized look as no two

grain patterns are alike. Natural cracks and splits accentuate its rustic appeal.

Hemlock This wood features a fine-textured, straight-grained

appearance. It is light and bright in color, varying from a creamy, nearly

white to a light, straw-red color. Sometimes hemlock may have a slight

lavender cast, especially around the knots and in the transition area

between the spring and summerwood growth rings. This wood often

contains small mineral deposits, but is free of pitch and is not likely to

splinter. While wood darkens over time with exposure to sunlight, hemlock often remains

true to its original, freshly milled pastel color. Accepts stain and paint well. Available for:

exterior doors, interior doors.

Pine (Clear and Knotty) This pine is harvested from plantation forests.

Distinct color variations occur and the grain can appear straight or erratic

depending on how it is cut from the log. The wood will darken and yellow

with age, adding character and charm. It machines to a fine, smooth finish

and easily accepts lighter stains and paint. Staining is recommended to

achieve a uniform appearance because pine naturally contains resins that

can affect penetration. Knots should be sealed before painting. Available for: windows,



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wood species 7867833

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