Language of Wood
Here are some of the terms commonly used to distinguish between the unique characteristics you’ll find in different woods. Your Holiday dealer would be glad to show you examples so that you, too, can speak the language of wood.
Hardwood
Wood cut from broad-leaved, mostly deciduous trees.
Grain
The general direction of the fibers in wood that gives it a unique pattern.
End Grain
The surface of wood exposed after cutting across the fibers.
Sapwood
The new wood of the tree that helps carry sap and stores food for tree growth.
Heartwood
The mature wood that forms the spine of the tree. Usually darker than sap wood.
Mineral Streak
A dark brown to black area where minerals have been absorbed into the tree.
Birdpeck
Minute, pitted areas in wood
Pitchpocket
An opening in the wood fiber that has held the resinous material "pitch."
Burl
A knot in wood that gives the wood fibers a beautiful peacock-tail pattern.
Medullary Ray
A pattern of light that runs across the grain, causing "ray-fleck" or "splash figures."
Movement
The shrinkage and expansion of wood as it gives off and absorbs moisture.
Now that you know more about the natural variations and unique characteristics of wood, you can better appreciate the superior quality of Holiday's fine cabinetry. To ensure your complete satisfaction, your Holiday dealer will work with you through every step from design to manufacture to installation. Of course, all cabinet materials and construction are covered under the comprehensive Holiday warranty.
We invite you to enjoy the art of nature and the craftsmanship of Holiday in fine cabinetry you’ll admire for years to come.
