Through the ages the unique characteristics and comparative abundance of wood have made it a natural material for structural framing, furniture, tools and architectural woodwork. Today, for the same reasons, wood is prized for many uses. Among them is lumber and veneers for interior architectural wood doors.
Historically some woods have filled many purposes, while others that were not as readily available served only one or two needs. The tough, durable oaks are highly prized for interior finish, paneling and floors. Black cherry and walnut, valued for their rich decorative appearance, are primarily used for cabinetry and furniture.
The gradual utilization of virgin forests in the United States has reduced the available supply of large clear logs for lumber and veneer. Second growth timber, the balance of the old-growth forests and imported timber continue to fill the needs for quality wood. The factors that keep wood in the forefront of raw materials are many. The chief attribute is its availability in varied species, sizes and shapes. Wood is an aesthetically appealing material by its nature, stimulating the senses of sight, touch and smell. The visual appeal of wood may also be easily enhanced using stains and finishes due to the various grain patterns and colors.
In the United States there are more than one hundred wood groups commercially available to the design community and those wood groups may each be represented by several species. Every specie having its own distinct characteristics. Over sixty of those woods are of major commercial importance. Another thirty are commonly imported in the form of logs or veneer.
The appearance of wood is influenced by a number of factors uncontrolled by man. Temperate zones affect growing seasons and influence the porosity of the wood. The presence of buds and small limbs pruned by nature are responsible for pin knots. Minerals and soil factors result in coloration difference. There are many natural processes responsible for the pure characteristics present in wood. The individuality of trees makes it impossible for any species or any tree to be completely free of those natural characteristics. That same individuality is responsible for the beauty and textures that are displayed by the examples on these pages.
GRAHAM provides access to hundreds of commercially available species for use as architectural grade door faces. Coupled with the advanced technology, beauty and durability of GRAHAM factory finishes, we are ready to meet the performance and aesthetic needs of the commercial design community.
