These hardwoods share many of the characteristics of oak and should be stained in the same manner described above for oak.

Less expensive than hard maple, birch is often substituted for maple in furniture and kitchen cabinets. But, like hard maple, birch wood does not absorb stain evenly and should not be stained with dark colored stains. When staining, first apply a pre-stain wood conditioner, then select stains lighter in color.

The distinctive reddish hue of cherry reduces the need to stain this popular hardwood. Unlike oak and ash, cherry has a subtle grain pattern and small pores which do not absorb as much stain. This makes it difficult to make significant changes to its natural color. The whitish sapwood (new growth close to the tree’s bark) often found along the edges of cherry boards can be stained using Minwax® Wood Finish™ to blend with the reddish, mature heartwood.

These South American hardwoods are noted for their dark, rich colors and their high levels of natural oils. In most instances, additional staining is not necessary. When it is, always use an oil-based stain, such as Minwax® Wood Finish™ or Minwax® Gel Stain, to ensure compatibility with the natural oils in these woods.

As its name implies, hard maple is an extremely dense, tight-pored wood that does not absorb much stain. Unlike oak and ash, the grain pattern of maple is uneven, causing it to absorb stains in varying degrees. To reduce any blotchiness, first apply a coat of a pre-stain wood conditioner. Even then, it is advisable to only stain maple with light to medium colored stains.

Always a popular hardwood, oak has a strong grain pattern and large, open pores that absorb stain readily. For that reason, oak is attractive with nearly any color of stain. It does not tend to turn blotchy, but like all woods it will stain more evenly after an application of a pre-stain wood conditioner. To ensure that any stain penetrates and fills oak’s deep pores, apply a liberal amount of stain to the wood, then work it into the pores using a cloth in a swirling motion. Afterwards remove any unabsorbed stain by rubbing a clean cloth in the direction of the grain.

These three popular softwoods look beautiful when finished naturally or with only a light application of stain. Problems arise, however, under darker stains, for all three absorb stain unevenly, especially around knots and blemishes. Always apply a liberal coat of a pre-stain wood conditioner prior to staining and even then select light to medium colors. These woods also are less likely to exhibit blotchiness if stained and finished with Minwax® PolyShades® or Minwax® Gel Stain.

Often called “poor man’s cherry,” poplar has a grain pattern similar to prized cherry, but lacks the same reddish hue. When stained with Minwax® Wood Finish™ Cherry, Red Mahogany or other colors containing red dyes and pigments, less expensive poplar can be made to look very much like cherry.