bdickey

Hello all. I am purchasing new cabinet doors, and cannot decide between white birch and hard maple. Either way, I want a clear finish. Are there any advantages or disadvantages to a natural finish on these two species?

Thanks,
Bob D.

Tippy

Birch and maple both take clear coats very nicely so there is no issue there. However, in my opinion, maple looks nicer. Grain has a little more definition and is whiter. Birch grain can be quite bland is a a little on the yellow side. I don't work much with birch, preferring to use maple, but when I do get it, it is rare that I get a board without any brown to gray streaking. If you haven't yet decided on a clear coat, use a catalyzed lacquer or conversion varnish. It doesn't yellow like poly, varnishes and non-cat lacquers, keeping the beautiful maple color unchanged.