Rustic Alder has a fine, straight-grain pattern and even texture. The color is a light brown with a reddish tinge that stains evenly. Rustic Alder includes character spots, knots, burls and blemishes which do not affect product durability. As one of the softest hardwoods, alder can be easily dented or scratched. These characteristics are not considered warranty defects.

Along with the door center panel and drawer front, the door frame parts are rustic as well. Like hickory and cherry, the
cabinet frames, veneer end panels, and accessories will be clear.

The term Rustic refers to using material that presents a more authentic country, rural feel to the cabinetry. The cabinets are designed to include a large amount of character elements in the wood. Theses elements include:
• Knots – solid, with no loose material, the knots can be open up to 5/32".
• Heartwood and Sapwood – Heartwood is the center part of the log. It is usually darker than the surrounding Sapwood which is considered the “living” part of the tree. This is especially true with Hickory where the contrast can be dramatic.
• Pitch pockets – these are openings in the Sapwood where sap has accumulated.
• Checks and splits – these are cracks in the wood where the wood cells have split.
• Mineral streaks – form when trees absorb minerals from the soil and stain the wood fiber.
The Rustic cabinetry you buy can have some or all of these elements. They are distributed randomly by nature. This gives the cabinetry its rustic appeal.

The Third/Third/Third Rule
Having the entire cabinet be made of rustic material would be too much and overpower the room. Cabinets that have rustic parts are specified to have; one third knots, one third rustic characteristics other than knots, and one third clear. This has proven to be the most aesthetically appealing ratio. It is possible that a random door or drawer front will not have a knot or characteristic. This is by design for a better visual appearance and not considered a quality defect.

(door image may not depict the correct species)