Unless you are going with painted cabinets, selecting the type of wood for your cabinetry is one of the most important decisions you will make. Before choosing a type of wood, you'll want to consider the natural characteristics of the most common wood species. Maple, one of the most popular species, offers a smooth, closed grain pattern, generally light in color with varying tones of light pink and yellow-brown. Oak, a less expensive wood, is characterized by the wide open grain pattern and is extremely durable. Oak has variations in grain pattern and color, small knots and pin holes. Popular, though more expensive, cherry is a multi-colored hardwood distinguished by its flowing grain pattern. Pitch pockets, checks, pin knots and sap wood all occur naturally in cherry wood. Hickory wood is known for its strength, open grain and distinctive color variation within each piece of wood. Alder wood has a fine, straight-grain pattern and even texture. Grain characteristics are especially important for natural and light finishes that show the grain pattern and wood characteristics such as knots, pitch pockets and holes. With darker stains, grain characteristics show less, and with painted cabinets, the grain cannot be seen at all. It's also important to note that wood darkens over time, even wood that has been stained. So be sure to consider the grain characteristics and natural color of the wood before choosing your cabinets.