Choices. There are so many choices, so many decisions to make, particularly when you are making decisions on home improvement. Most of these decisions you make as a homeowner almost always have a price tag associated with it, which of course makes deciding a bit harder. For most the decisions can be simple, for others they can be painstakingly difficult. Will it be alder wood or cherry?
I have found one of the most difficult decisions homeowners are faced with, besides color, is what species of lumber to use. Choosing the wood for your kitchen cabinets, flooring, doors, mantle or even your wall units can be challenging. Certainly in my opinion I believe you should always go with what you like best. Selecting your favorite will never be wrong and it will most likely go with everything you have selected for your home.
When choosing your lumber for an entry door, kitchen cabinets or a mantle, take into consideration the character of the wood. This character is characterized by the grain in the wood along with how the lumber wood will take on the stain, pigments and tones. One of my favorite is Alder wood. This lumber is extremely versatile, has a terrific grain pattern and can de distressed for additional character.
Wood alder can come with knots or clear. Knotty alder with distressing is a great choice when trying to achieve an Old World Look, a Southwest look or just a look that you as the home owner really like. Clear alder, or Superior grade, has no knots and also can be used for an Old World look or maybe something a bit more formal. Superior Alder wood will not be as formal as mahogany, but will certainly be formal enough for you formal dining or living room furniture, and casual enough for your Great Room, kitchen or finished basement.