Wood Characteristics
Wood cabinetry is as unique as a fingerprint; no two pieces are the same. Each piece of lumber and each piece of veneer is truly one of a kind. Soil and climactic conditions affect growth characteristics, presence of mineral streaks, gum spots and knots, and creates striking coloring and grain patterns. These naturally occurring variations give wood its distinct character and exceptional beauty.

St. Martin takes great care in selecting the finest quality kiln-dried North American Hardwoods for your kitchen. Lumber is dried to a 6-8% moisture content to ensure that your cabinetry remains stable in most environments. However, wood, by its very nature, will expand during humid months and contract during the dry season, so humidity levels in your home should be carefully monitored. A 40-50% humidity level should be maintained during installation and throughout the year to maintain the proper moisture content of your cabinets. Extremes (below 20% or above 80%) are likely to cause problems with the natural wood.

The best quality hardwoods have certain characteristics that can’t be hidden by the finishing process. These natural variations occur due to the fact that the wood is a natural product, affected by weather, climate, birds, insects, soil makeup, number of sunshine hours per year and natural growth patterns for each individual tree. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty, charm and appeal of real wood and should be carefully considered.

AMERICAN CHERRY
American Cherry has a rich color and smooth, flowing grain patterns. Color varies from light pink to dark brown; variations are more prominent with lighter stains. Cherry will darken or mellow with age. This is more noticeable with light stains and usually takes place within the first six months. Sun exposure greatly accelerates this process. Mineral streaks, pitch pockets, pin knots and sap wood all occur naturally in Cherry and are acceptable characteristics.

PAINT GRADE HARDWOODS
Painted Grade Hardwoods are used to make painted cabinetry and trim. These woods may include Soft Maple, Birch, or Beech. Typically these woods machine well and have fine grain characteristics that facilitate smooth and consistent finishes.

WHITE OAK
White Oak is found primarily in the eastern half of the United States. White Oak is noted for its density and strength and it exhibits prominent strong grain patterns typical of the Oak species. Board color ranges from light to medium tan in the heartwood and lighter brown to pale cream in the sapwood, with occasional lighter gray shading. It is a very durable wood. One interesting characteristic of White Oak is the presence of medullary rays which produce a unique pattern and flecking. White oak logs are sometimes sawn in a special way known as “Rift Cut” which produces lumber and veneers that have very straight grain patterns and reduced presence of rays. Rift cutting increases the value of lumber and veneers which in turn are more typically utilized in producing higher end furniture and cabinetry.

BLACK WALNUT
Black Walnut grows primarily in the central and eastern regions of North America. It is highly prized as a species due to its relative scarcity and is considered to be one of the more expensive hardwoods milled in the United States and Canada. Natural Walnut heartwood ranges in color from deeper brown to light brown sapwood is usually lighter brown. The wood is dense and strong with prominent grain patterns. Walnut machines well and accepts stains and finishes nicely. It is considered a premium wood and is used to produce beautiful furniture, cabinetry and millwork.

Effects Of Moisture In Wood
Under normal circumstances, all wood products contain some moisture. Wood is similar to a sponge in
that it easily exchanges moisture with the environment. This is true of all wood products, even after
they have been finished. Of course, a finish will slow this process, but finished wood still reacts to
changes in humidity. When humidity is high, wood will absorb moisture and expand. During times of
low humidity, wood will release moisture and contract. Wood will not change size or shape unless its
moisture content changes due to humidity. As normal minor variations in humidity occur, the
dimensional response of the wood will be imperceptible. To avoid problems, it is recommended that
the relative household humidity is maintained in the 40-50% range. Humidity extremes (above 80% or
below 20%) are likely to cause problems. Wood products perform best when used in a controlled
environment. Problems associated with warping are usually a result of conditions on site storage,
installation or use.

Points To Consider

• The density of the wood can affect how much or how little it reacts to changes in humidity. More dense species like Maple will expand or contract more than species like Cherry.
• Effects of moisture may include panel expansion or contraction, joint separation, bowing of the stile or rail and/or expansion/contraction of the stile or rail.
• Wood products located in humid climates are especially susceptible to expansion due to moisture. Product failures due to high moisture conditions are not covered under the St. Martin America warranty. Such locations would include waterfront properties and coastal regions.
• Regardless of location, products installed in non-air conditioned homes are especially susceptible to moisture concerns. Winter and vacation homes should maintain some form of climate control even during the off-season.
• Sometimes doors may swell and bind after installation. Upon activation of the climate control, doors should revert to their original dimension and resume normal operation. For this reason, St. Martin America does not recommend trimming or shaving the door edges. Trimmed doors are not covered
  under the St. Martin America warranty. Care should be taken to control humidity even during storage and installation.
• Traditional doors with 5-piece construction (stiles, rails and panels) have been engineered to allow some normal expansion and contraction of the panels.
• St. Martin America takes great care in selecting properly kiln dried woods to ensure stability in climate controlled homes. With proper attention to humidity levels (normal fluctuations are expected) your St. Martin America cabinetry will perform reliably and beautifully. Please note that the St. Martin America warranty does not cover product issues related to improper humidity or moisture control.