"Red alder kitchen cabinets were commercially stained to six different levels and displayed at home shows in Portland, Oregon, and Anchorage, Alaska. The stains simulated the appearance of six commercial species. Respondents indicated their preferred cabinet doors... "--P. [1].

"Red alder kitchen cabinets were commercially stained to six different levels and displayed at home shows in Portland, Oregon, and Anchorage, Alaska. The stains simulated the appearance of six commercial species. Respondents indicated their preferred cabinet doors... "--P. [1].

A better understanding of consumer reaction and preferences for red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) secondary products will help Alaska producers in entering new markets. In this study, red alder kitchen cabinets were commercially stained to six different levels and displayed at home shows in Portland, Oregon, and Anchorage, Alaska. The stains simulated the appearance of six commercial species. Respondents indicated their preferred cabinet doors, under the assumption of remodeling their kitchen. Brighter shades of stain were generally more popular than the three darkest shades. There were no statistically significant differences in preferences between male and female respondents. The influence of market location was found to be highly significant for unstained and for maple stained cabinets. These results indicate a strong potential for red alder to be commercially stained to a wide range of appearances, targeting different demographic groups.

The kitchen cabinet industry has shown significant growth recently, with expanding residential markets, new cabinet styles, and larger kitchens. This industry represents an opportunity for small Alaska wood producers to create high-value secondary products. In response to recent trends in kitchen cabinet manufacturing and the need to identify opportunities for underutilized species, the Alaska Wood Utilization Research and Development Center has conducted numerous studies evaluating consumer preferences for Alaskas primary hardwoodsAlaska birch (Betula papyrifera var. humilis (Reg.) Fern & Raup) and red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.). These studies explored consumer preferences under a range of marketing parameters, cabinet appearances, and regional market locations. This paper summarizes these studies and offers insights into the potential market for Alaskas hardwoods as secondary wood products such as kitchen cabinets.

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