Red alder kitchen cabinets—How does application of commercial stains influence customer choice?

Abstract

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.

Citation

Nicholls, David; Roos, Joseph. 2007. Red alder kitchen cabinets—How does application of commercial stains influence customer choice?. Res. Note PNW-RN-556. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 9 p