Sapwood

The lighter-colored outer wood of a tree trunk that actively conducts water and nutrients. Sapwood is typically paler, softer, and more porous than heartwood from the same tree. In cabinet-grade lumber, sapwood and heartwood are often mixed in the same board, creating natural color variation. Species like walnut and cherry show dramatic contrast between their pale sapwood and dark heartwood.

Specifying this for a job? Captivating Pro members buy at 20–40% off retail and get cut sheets before rough-in.