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Wood Specifications

Welcome to our diverse array of wood species. We take care to showcase the beauty and natural uniqueness of each species. During the manufacturing process, skilled craftsmen select matching color tones and grain patterns for a harmonious end product. 

Choose from our most popular, in-stock varieties. Other species are available upon request.*

Wood Grade Specifications

1. Premium Grade*

Add 35% additional to select grade material pricing. Premium grading based on customer specs.

2. Select Grade

Close attention is paid to ensure that color and grain are matched for a uniform look. Sap is not allowed on face in most species, but may have some on back. Although certain occurrences, such as gum pockets, pin knots, and mineral are natural characteristics of wood, they are strictly controlled in size and occurrence and will not distract from the natural beauty. For the natural beauty of wood with a minimum amount of markings, this grade is a great selection.

3. Natural Grade

Natural grade is an economical choice with a broader range of color and grain variations. Pin knots, mineral spots, sap, and other natural markings are not as strictly controlled but must still be matched for a blended, uniform appearance. For those who appreciate the unique variety which natural markings add to the beauty of wood, this is a good choice.

4. Paint Grade

Paint grade is a mix of hard and soft maples with a range of colors from a creamy white to brown to gray. Paint grade is not selected for color and grain patterns. Color may vary from light sapwood to dark heartwood. This grade is designed for use in paint applications.

5. Rustic Grade

Rustic grade is a grade with all the beauty and character that nature has to offer. Special attention is given to ensure a uniform blend of tight knots, worm-holes, mineral, and sap while maintaining the quality of the product. For that “country” look, this grade will definitely bring out the beauty and character of individual trees.

*

We try our best to provide you with standards which meet or exceed your expectations. If a product is requested with stricter specifications than those outlined above, we will try to meet your needs, but premium grade charges may apply!

Wood Species & Characteristics

Alder

The color of alder when freshly cut has a creamy, white appearance but when exposed to air will change to a reddish color. This, along with the subtle grain patterns, gives it the resemblance of cherry. There is no visible difference between the sapwood and heartwood. Many use alder as a cheaper alternative to cherry.

Ash (white)

Selected ash sapwood ranges from cream to light brown. The grain has a similar appearance and pattern as oak. Cuts are arranged to form a blend of grain matching and color tones. Ash looks well with light or dark finishes.

Birch (paper white)

The wood of paper white birch is of similar density as hard maple. It has a more uniform, whiter color and stains much more consistently than yellow birch. Birch woods have a fine, uniform texture and machine well.

Cherry

Cherry may contain some sapwood . Gum pockets are a natural characteristic. Color and grain are matched to form a reasonable blend. Exposure to light causes cherry to darken to a deep reddish brown. Cherry is very rich in color when stained or finished natural and allowed to age.

Hickory

Hickory has a coarse grain pattern and contrasting colors. It has excellent strength and durability but is difficult to machine. Hickory has lots of character and is selected for a blend of sapwood and heartwood.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a unique, high-quality hardwood grown on highly productive plantations in Brazil. It has the appearance of mahogany but with a more uniform grain pattern and is used as an alternative to mahogany. Color variations are from a hint of orange to light brown to white.

Mahogany, African

Heartwood from mahogany has a pinkish brown appearance, turning to a reddish brown when exposed. Sapwood is white with a tint of yellow. Grain patterns change from straight to interlocked. Since color and grain patterns vary so much, we do not color or grain match mahogany. Density can vary greatly so weight changes dramatically from one piece to another.

Maple Hard/Soft Select

Maple is very light in color with subtle grain patterns. Hard maple has a fine grain and does not absorb finishes as readily as some species. Soft maple resembles hard maple, but is not as hard or strong. Soft maple may also have more color variation.

Maple, Paint Grade

Natural red/white oak is coarse in texture with lots of distinct grain patterns. Sapwood is white to light brown. The heartwood is light to dark brown in white oak and reddish brown in red oak.

Oak, Red/White

Maple is very light in color with subtle grain patterns. Hard maple has a fine grain and does not absorb finishes as readily as some species. Soft maple resembles hard maple, but is not as hard or strong. Soft maple may also have more color variation.

Pine, Natural

A blend of yellowish-white color tones with a limited amount of tight knots make this a unique, rustic species. Pine readily absorbs stain and works well with light or dark finishes.

Walnut, Black

Heartwood of black walnut is light brown to a dark brown/ chocolate appearance with a purplish tint and dark streaks throughout.

Customer Lumber

Guidelines for Customer Supplied Lumber

You may send lumber to our facility to manufacture your products. Please note the following guidelines:

  • After sending your order, we will process it and notify you of the board footage needed
    to make your products.
  • Material thickness:
       – 4/4 Material-Surfaced to 13/16” and straight-lined one side
       – 5/4 Material-Surfaced to 1-1/8” and straight-lined one side.


Material must be free of metal/foreign objects. Customer is responsible for damages caused by foreign objects in supplied lumber.

Leon Zook

Leon Zook grew up in Belleville, PA, and Virginia Beach, VA. He and his wife, Mary, raised 7 children. Leon bought Princess Anne Cabinets, a shop where he had worked. He later sold this shop and bought Kempsville Cabinets, providing work for the community, church, and his three sons. In 2001, he started Mountainside Wood Products with a dual desire to provide employment for farmers and to manufacture doors for his cabinet shop.