Guide to Wood Species

December 14, 2006 —

Wood species used in today’s 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 lighter stain colors 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. For windows and doors, be sure to check manufacturer’s recommendations for using grain filler and wood conditioner.

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. Clear alder presents a fairly straight grain with small knots. Knotty alder presents a more rustic look. When stained, alder blends well with walnut, mahogany and cherry. Available for: doors (clear and knotty), windows (clear).

Cherry – While usually recognized by its darker tone, cherry can be stained in a variety of shades. Features a smooth texture with fine, straight grain. Cherry will darken over time with exposure to light and contains miniscule pith marks as identifiers. Available for: doors

Hickory – Heartwood is tan or reddish while sapwood is white to cream with fine brown lines. Features a closed grain with moderate definition and is rough textured. Available for: doors

Mahogany – One of the most recognizable species because of its rich red hue and subtle grain pattern that shows visible growth rings. A hardwood that grows around the world, mahogany is open grained so it needs grain filler when finishing. Available for: doors, windows

Maple – A dense hardwood that has a prolonged life. Has a fine grain that is similar to birch and cherry. Traditionally used for interior applications. No grain filler required when finishing. Available for: doors

Oak – Native to North America and one of the most popular species used today, with red oak and white oak the most common. Red oak features greater variation in color and a more dramatically pronounced grain. Very durable and strong, oak accepts stains evenly and is easy to work with. Available for: doors

Poplar – One of the less expensive hardwood species. Often referred to as “affordable cherry.” Moderately soft and easy to work with, poplar takes paint well and is often used for panel doors and mouldings.
Available for: doors

Walnut – One of the more beautiful and expensive species, walnut is a dense hardwood that is fairly porous. Walnut can feature dramatic color differentiation, from chocolate brown to light tan, because of the way it grows: the heartwood of a walnut tree grows darker than the sapwood on the outer rings. Presents a straight grain with waves or occasional curls of blond streaks. Requires grain filler when finished. Available for: doors

Softwoods – Produced from conifer (cone-bearing) trees

Douglas fir – Douglas fir’s light, rosy color is set off by its remarkably straight and handsome grain pattern. Will tend to “redden” over time when exposed to light. Paints easily and can hold all types of stains and finishes. A popular choice for front doors, as it naturally resists weathering. Available for: doors, windows

Hemlock – Hemlock is light and bright in color, varying from a creamy, nearly white to a light, straw-red color. Sometimes western hemlock may have a slight lavender cast, especially around the knots and in the transition area between the spring and summerwood growth rings. 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. Often contains small mineral deposits. Available for: doors

Pine – Available in more than 80 species around the world, pine can vary greatly in appearance. The grain can appear straight or erratic depending on how it is cut from the log. Pine is traditionally used for doors, windows, frames, jambs and moulding. It machines to a fine, smooth finish and easily accepts lighter stains and paint. Pre-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: doors, windows