Alder Icicle

The color

Alder Icicle is a satin stain that lightens alder without covering it. The grain stays readable, so the surface looks like wood, not paint.

In north light it cools toward pale straw-gray and stays calm. In south light it brightens and picks up a little warmth. Under warm LEDs it moves toward cream, so choose your color temperature with the sample in hand.

What to pair it with

Honed white marble or a soft gray quartzite keeps the palette quiet. Dark soapstone gives a sharper contrast.

For metals, brushed stainless supports the cool undertone, while unlacquered brass warms it. Blackened steel works well on slab doors.

Matte white oak floors suit it, as does honed limestone. Avoid red-leaning floors, which fight the undertone.

It comes on Varick and Bond (slab), Clinton Wide and Remsen Wide (shaker), and Shelter Island and Cold Spring (beaded). Compare profiles on door styles or browse TKG Inset.

Where it works

Prewar co-op kitchens with a single window gain brightness without going stark. Brownstone garden-level kitchens, often north-facing, get a lighter, steadier wall of cabinetry. On Long Island, it suits shingled summer houses where strong southern light keeps the wood from reading flat.

Care and durability

Because this is a stain, the grain is the finish. Expect natural variation from door to door.

Wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry right away. Use mild soap, and skip abrasive cleaners. Dry the areas around the sink and dishwasher promptly, since standing water is the main risk to any wood finish.

The satin sheen hides fingerprints better than gloss. To see it in your own light, view our finishes or contact us for a sample.