Cherry has a smooth grain and a color that varies from light pink to dark brown. It will darken or mellow with age. Mineral streaks, pin knots and sap wood are all natural and acceptable characteristics.

Knotty alder has a very uniform light brown color with a reddish tinge and a fairly straight-grained, uniform texture. Knots, mineral streaks and other variations are typical and are not considered defects.

Oak has a varied, open grain pattern. Colors range from light tan and pink to medium dark red and brown. Oak may contain small mineral streaks and some pin knots.