This refers to the ease of altering a particular wood species colour from its natural state.  With the wood species we carry, we are able to stain them all to many colours and fit our clients needs.  Some species have inherent traits that come through even when a deeper coloured stain is used.  Hickory, for example has strong red tones.  It also is a very dense material.  Because of these facts, a reddish tone comes through even the darkest of stains.