Hard Maple Truffle

The color

Hard Maple Truffle is a satin stain on hard maple, in the dark wood family. It is a deep brown with a cool, almost gray-black core. The maple's tight grain stays visible through the color rather than disappearing under it.

In north light it reads darker and quieter, close to espresso. South light brings out the brown, a dry cocoa with a slight red edge. Under warm LEDs it softens and gains depth without turning orange.

What to pair it with

Keep counters light and matte: honed white quartzite, pale limestone, or a soft gray soapstone. Unlacquered brass warms the brown as it ages. Blackened steel keeps the whole kitchen more severe.

Floors look best a step lighter. Wide-plank white oak with a natural finish works well, as does pale terrazzo.

Where it fits

The slab doors, Varick and Perry Metal, suit lofts and Manhattan condominiums. Carroll and Riverside, both raised-panel, belong in brownstones and prewar co-ops. Cold Spring and Cold Spring II, both beaded, sit comfortably in Long Island colonials and shingle-style houses.

The finish is part of the TKG Inset collection. Browse every profile under door styles.

Care and durability

Because this is a stain, the wood shows through, and some variation from board to board is part of the character. Wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry right away. Skip abrasive pads and harsh cleaners.

Clean up spills near the sink and range promptly. The satin sheen hides fingerprints better than gloss. Wood also responds to humidity, so expect subtle seasonal movement.

To see it in person, request a sample through contact or compare other finishes.