Cherry wood has long been loved by woodworkers, furniture makers, and homeowners. Known for its beautiful warm color, smooth grain, and lasting strength, cherry is not only practical but also adds a touch of elegance to any space.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything about cherry wood—where it comes from, what makes it unique, how it’s used, and why it continues to be a favorite hardwood around the world.
Where Cherry Wood Comes From
When people talk about cherry wood for furniture and woodworking, they usually mean American Black Cherry (Prunus serotina). This tree grows mainly in the eastern United States, from Pennsylvania and Missouri down to Florida. It can grow 50 to 80 feet tall, and sometimes even up to 100 feet, making it one of the larger hardwood trees in North America.
While there are other cherry species—like the European wild cherry (Prunus avium)—American black cherry is the most commonly used in North American woodworking, especially for high-end furniture and cabinets.
How Cherry Wood Looks (and Changes Over Time)
One of the most loved things about cherry wood is its color. When freshly cut, cherry heartwood starts out a light pinkish-tan or peach color, but it darkens over time. With exposure to air and sunlight, it develops a rich reddish-brown tone. This natural color change is called aging, and it adds even more beauty to cherry wood as it matures.
The outer layer of the tree, called sapwood, stays a light creamy or yellowish color. Some woodworkers use this lighter wood on purpose to create beautiful contrast in furniture.
Cherry wood also has a fine, smooth grain that’s usually straight, but it can be slightly wavy, giving it a soft, silky look. Sometimes, cherry boards will have special grain features like flame, curl, or birdseye, which make them even more unique and perfect for decorative pieces.
Properties and Workability
- Density: 580–620 kg/m³ (medium density)
- Hardness (Janka): Around 950 lbf (harder than pine, softer than oak or maple)
- Impact Resistance: Good for furniture use
- Stability: Very stable after drying—resists warping, swelling, and shrinking
- Flexibility: Can be bent with steam, useful for curved furniture designs
Cherry is a medium-density hardwood, making it easy to cut, shape, and sand. It also holds nails, screws, and glue very well. Its grain polishes to a smooth, glossy finish, and it works beautifully for carving and turning.
How Durable Is Cherry Wood?
Cherry wood is naturally resistant to rot and decay indoors, and it can last for decades with very little care. However, it’s not recommended for outdoor use, since weather and moisture can damage it over time.
Common Uses of Cherry Wood
Furniture:
Cherry is famous for making high-end furniture, from traditional Shaker styles to modern beds, dining tables, and dressers. Many cherry pieces become family heirlooms over time.
Cabinets and Trim:
It’s often used in kitchen and bathroom cabinets, interior doors, moldings, and trim work due to its warmth and beauty.
Flooring:
Cherry makes elegant flooring, especially in living rooms, bedrooms, or low-traffic areas.
Paneling and Veneers:
Cherry veneers are used in wall panels, musical instruments, and luxury car interiors—giving a cherry look without using solid wood.
Small Projects and Crafts:
Perfect for bowls, utensils, carvings, jewelry boxes, and other small decorative items.
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Why People Love Cherry Wood
Natural Beauty: The color deepens over time, giving it a classic, warm look
Easy to Work With: Cuts, sands, carves, and finishes smoothly
Stability: Doesn’t shrink or swell much once it’s dried
Durability: Long-lasting indoors with little maintenance
Versatility: Works in both old-fashioned and modern designs
Things to Keep in Mind
Color Darkens Quickly: Cherry darkens in sunlight, so matching old and new pieces can be tricky
Softer Than Some Woods: It may dent or scratch more easily than oak or maple
Not for Outdoors: Weather can damage cherry, so it’s best used inside only.
Sustainability and the Environment
Cherry wood is one of the more eco-friendly hardwoods. In the U.S., cherry forests are well-managed, and the species grows back easily. It’s a smart, renewable choice for those who want beauty without harming the environment.
Caring for Cherry Wood
- Taking care of cherry is easy:
- Dust it regularly with a soft cloth
- Wipe spills quickly
- Use coasters to avoid water marks
- Avoid harsh cleaners or too much moisture
- A light oil or polish every so often will keep it looking rich and vibrant
- Many people let cherry age naturally, enjoying the way its color changes over time.
Final Thoughts
Cherry wood is a wonderful mix of beauty, strength, and ease of use. It looks better as it ages, works great in any style, and lasts for decades. Whether you’re a woodworker, a homeowner, or a furniture lover, cherry wood is a choice you’ll never regret—elegant, natural, and timeless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is cherry wood used for?
Cherry is used in furniture, cabinetry, flooring, paneling, instruments, and decorative items. It works in both modern and traditional styles.
2. Why does cherry change color over time?
It naturally darkens with exposure to air and sunlight, turning from light pink to rich reddish-brown.
3. Is cherry wood durable?
Yes—for indoor use, cherry is strong, stable, and long-lasting.
4. How does cherry compare to other hardwoods?
It’s softer than oak or maple, but harder than pine. It’s easier to work with and has a more elegant finish.
5. Can cherry be stained or finished?
Absolutely. Cherry takes stains and finishes very well, though many prefer a natural oil finish to show off its color change.
6. Is cherry wood sustainable?
Yes. It’s grown in well-managed U.S. forests, making it a renewable and eco-friendly choice.
7. How do I care for cherry wood furniture?
Dust it, clean spills quickly, use coasters, and occasionally apply oil or polish. Avoid harsh chemicals.
8. Does cherry wood scratch or dent?
It’s a bit softer than some hardwoods, so it can show dents or scratches more easily, especially on floors.
9. Can I use cherry wood outdoors?
No. Cherry isn’t suitable for outdoor use, as it doesn’t handle rain or weather well.
10. Why is antique cherry furniture so valuable?
Because it develops a beautiful patina over time, and older pieces often show excellent craftsmanship and lasting strength.