The 4 Best Wood Species for Staining: A Quick Guide

At Meridian Products, we’ve spent five decades working with different wood species! We’ve learned which species accept stain beautifully, which is a vital step to achieving the kind of quality results that define extraordinary cabinetry.

Before diving into our top recommendations, let’s look at what makes certain woods ideal for staining. 

Understanding Wood Porosity and Stain Absorption

The key factor when it comes to the best wood to stain is porosity, which is the size and distribution of pores in the wood’s cellular structure.

Diffuse-porous woods have evenly distributed pores throughout the wood, which creates consistent stain absorption. These species typically include hardwoods like oak and walnut, which have less dense structures and larger pores that more easily accept stain penetration.

Despite their name, softwoods can also be excellent candidates for staining. These species are generally more flexible and elastic with a fine texture, which enables even stain absorption when the wood is properly prepared.

The ideal staining woods share these characteristics:

• Open, even grain structure
• Consistent density throughout the board
• Sufficient porosity that allows proper stain penetration
• Fewer natural oils that could interfere with stain adhesion

The Top 4 Wood Species for Staining

Based on our years of experience in custom cabinetry production, here’s our insights into the four best wood species for achieving excellent staining results:

#1 – Oak

Oak remains one of the most sought-after woods in today’s cabinetry industry, and for good reason:

• Exceptional stain reception: Woods like oak have large pores, which means they absorb more stain and show a more pronounced color change
• Durability: Highly resistant to rot and termites, making this species ideal for long-lasting cabinetry
• Forgiving application: Known to be one of the easiest woods to stain and less likely to turn blotchy
• Versatile appearance: What makes red oak appealing is its versatility. It looks great with a clear finish or a dark stain

Considerations: Oak’s prominent grain pattern will be enhanced by staining, which makes it perfect for projects where you want the wood’s natural character to shine through.

#2 – Ash

Ash stands out for its straight grain structure, making it easy to work with during the construction and finishing processes. This species is compatible with both water-based and oil-based stains.

• Straight grain pattern: Provides predictable, even stain absorption
• Open pore structure: Allows for excellent stain penetration and color development
• Strength and durability: Ash is loved for strength and durability. Its prominent grain pattern and open pores make it a top wood for stains
• Versatile staining: Since it has a natural cream color, ash can mimic other wood types, so it’s a great choice for staining dark, walnut, or espresso

Considerations: Ash doesn’t perform well in humid conditions and it’s more susceptible to moisture, so proper sealing is essential in bathroom applications.

#3 – Walnut

Walnut is among the specialties we work with at Meridian Products, and it’s admired for its naturally rich appearance and exceptional staining characteristics.

• Superior grain pattern: Straight grain pattern provides increased durability and stability
• Natural resistance: Highly resistant to water, fire, and mold
• Excellent stain compatibility: Walnut works well with light stains and clear coat finishes. A clear top coat on walnut brings out a rich, velvety sheen that highlights its bold grain pattern.
• Premium appearance: Creates a sophisticated, high-end look that’s ideal for luxury cabinetry

Considerations: Walnut is heavier and more expensive than most other wood species, but its beauty and durability often justify the investment.

#4 – Cherry

While cherry is widely known as one of the best species for painted applications, it also excels with stain finishes.

• Smooth grain: Coveted by woodworkers for its smooth grain and natural beauty
• Aging characteristics: A key characteristic of cherry is its natural aging process, which enhances a stained finish over time
• Sustainable option: Cherry trees grow quickly, making the species an easily attainable wood and sustainable choice
• Closed-grain structure: Cherry is a durable hardwood with a straight, closed grain and smooth texture

Considerations: Cherry is known for absorbing stains unevenly. The wood species is already darker in color, and staining can make it appear too dark. Proper preparation and testing are a must.

Softwood vs. Hardwood for Staining

The difference between hardwood and softwood isn’t about hardness – it’s about the type of tree. Hardwood trees have broad leaves that shed annually, and softwood trees are evergreen with needles and cones.

Softwoods have open cell structures that absorb stain readily but may require pre-stain conditioner to prevent blotchiness. 

Hardwoods are denser and provide more consistent staining results, but can cost more and require more effort to work with.

7 Staining Tips for Best Results

Prepare Wisely:

• Always sand properly with progressively finer grits
• Use pre-stain conditioner on challenging species
• Test stain on a hidden area or sample piece first

Know Your Application Techniques:

• Use a brush to apply the stain – it’s crucial for achieving your desired color. Apply even coats to avoid oversaturating the wood.
• Work with the grain, not against it
• Maintain consistent pressure and overlapping strokes

Understand Grain Impact:

• Think about how your cabinets’ grain will look with the stain you choose. Hickory, for example, is a light wood with a darker grain – so picking a light stain will make the pattern stand out.

Learn More

Choosing the right wood species for staining is the key to achieving great results in your custom cabinetry. Oak, ash, walnut, and cherry represent the top choices for a variety of reasons. But remember that successful staining also requires proper preparation, quality materials, and expert technique. 

To learn more about our wood species options and custom cabinetry components, visit our species and finishes page or contact our team to discuss your project needs.