Appearance Selection

Natural wood, natural color

Our architectural products are crafted from a variety of beautiful wood species. Natural wood, including cedar, oak, walnut and others, comes with color variations that can affect the final appearance of your project.

Because of this natural variance, it is important to set realistic expectations for the color of your finished product. Choose the selection that fits how you will finish it, and use the tips below to manage the variation.

Choose your selection

• Standard Selection

  Default

  Our standard offering, ideal if you plan to paint, or if you do not need a precise color match after staining. It suits customers who appreciate the natural variation in wood, with the same high quality of wood and finish, especially for Western Red Cedar.

  Included withAll standard products.

• Paint Grade

  Custom work only

  May include more wood pieces joined with glued finger joints, along with imperfections such as filled cracks, larger knots, or knots repaired to sit flush with the surface. Made for a smooth, paintable finish.

  Not for stain: not recommended for stain or semi-transparent finishes. Not sure whether you will paint or stain? Choose Standard Selection.

• Color Match Selection

  Custom work only

  Our premium service for stained projects. We match the color of each wood piece as closely as possible to the others, particularly with Western Red Cedar, for a cohesive stained look.

  IncludesThree matched planks for testing your stain. Priced at a premium for the careful selection and matching.

Set realistic color expectations

1. Understand the natural color rangeWestern Red Cedar, our standard wood species, varies from light reddish hues to deep chocolate browns. These variations are part of its unique charm. Look through the Western Red Cedar photos on our website to get a sense of the range you might receive.
2. Consider natural variance part of the beautyVariations are part of natural wood's charm, adding character and distinction to your architectural elements.
3. Know the impact of stainingStain can enhance or alter the wood's natural color. With Color Match Selection you receive three planks, selected to match your product, for testing your stain before you apply it to the final product. On brackets and corbels, you can also test the stain on a side that will not be seen, such as the side mounted against the wall.

Why does wood color vary?

Wood is a natural material, and each piece has its own characteristics, shaped by:

• Tree age and growthSoil, climate and age influence color, even within the same species.
• Heartwood and sapwoodHeartwood, the center of the tree, is often darker. Sapwood, the outer layers, is typically lighter.
• Sunlight and airWood can darken or lighten over time as it is exposed to light.

These variations are not defects. They are part of what makes wood beautiful and unique, and anticipating them helps you achieve the look you want.

Natural tones by species

The typical color ranges of the wood species we offer:

• CedarLight reddish-brown to deep chocolate brown. Some pieces are lighter, others darker and richer.
• PoplarGenerally light, with greenish or brown streaks. Ideal for paint thanks to its uniform texture.
• White OakLight to medium brown, often with a golden or slightly gray undertone.
• WalnutDark brown with purplish or black streaks, known for its luxurious appearance.
• CherryReddish-brown that darkens over time, adding depth and elegance.
• Red OakLight to medium reddish tones, often with a prominent grain pattern.