Which woods might tend to accept stain in an uneven manner?

The answer focuses on maple and birch, which are known to have a fine, dense grain that can lead to uneven stain absorption compared to other wood types. These hardwoods have natural characteristics that can make it challenging for stain to penetrate uniformly. Since they are less porous than woods like oak or pine, the differences in grain structure can result in a blotchy appearance after staining, especially if a pre-stain conditioner is not used.

In contrast, oak and walnut have more open grain structures that allow stain to penetrate more consistently. Pine and fir, while they can also have some variability in stain absorption due to their softer fibers, typically accept stains more evenly than maple and birch. Mahogany and teak, both dense hardwoods, mainly provide a more uniform stain coloration due to their natural oils and relatively open grain compared to the fine-grained nature of maple and birch. Understanding the unique properties of these woods is crucial for achieving the desired finish in carpentry and woodworking projects.