Cherry Wood: Benefits and Uses Guide
Did you know cherry wood is the 4th most harvested lumber in the United States? It comes after oak, poplar, and ash. This hardwood is known for its durability and beauty. It’s also prized for its stunning looks.
It comes from American Black Cherry trees. Its color changes from light peach to deep burgundy-brown as it ages. This makes it a favorite for furniture makers and homeowners.
This guide explores the many benefits of this wood. It talks about its unique properties and uses. It shows why cherry wood is a top choice for artisans and collectors.
It’s not just beautiful. It’s also sourced sustainably from responsibly managed forests. This appeals to those who love craftsmanship and care for the environment.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Cherry wood is becoming more popular in high-end furniture and cabinets. Black Cherry wood, the most common type in North America, is known for its beauty and lasting quality.
The advantages of cherry wood go beyond looks. It has a Janka hardness rating of 950 lbf, showing it’s both workable and durable. It’s not the hardest wood, but it’s stable and resists rot and decay well. Over time, it changes color, going from pale to deep reddish-brown, making any project unique.
Cherrywood is also great for craftsmen. It’s perfect for making cabinets, furniture, and even musical instruments. Its grain structure helps it stay stable, making it last longer indoors. Even though it’s not always easy to find, it’s cheaper than walnut and easier to work with than maple and oak.
Also, cherry wood takes finishes well but can be tricky with staining. This makes it best for those who love exotic woods and want something durable with unique colors.
Understanding Cherry Wood Trees
Cherrywood comes from the black cherry tree (Prunus serotina). This tree is found in North America, mainly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. It can grow up to 100 feet tall and has a trunk diameter of about 5 feet.
The black cherry tree is loved for its high-quality wood. This wood starts as light pink and turns reddish-brown over time. It has a smooth texture and tight grain, similar to maple.
Getting cherry wood involves sustainable forestry. This method keeps ecosystems balanced while meeting demand. Cherrywood is safe for the environment, and the black cherry tree is not endangered.
Knowing about cherrywood trees shows why it’s great for home decor. It’s a choice that lasts for many years.
Properties
Cherry wood is known for its rich color and strong features. Its cherry wood color and its grain make it popular in many uses.
Color and Grain
The cherry wood color starts as a light pinkish hue. It then turns into a deeper red-brown as it ages. This change makes each piece unique and more beautiful.
The grain is fine, straight, and close. This adds elegance to any design.
Density and Stability
Cherry wood is moderately heavy and strong. It has a cherrywood density of about 3.5 lbs per board foot. This makes it easier to work with than some other hardwoods.
Its Janka hardness rating is 660. This shows it’s durable and strong, even though it’s softer than hard maple. The stability is also great. It warps and shrinks very little, even with humidity changes. This makes it perfect for furniture that gets a lot of use.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Color | Reddish-brown, becomes richer with age |
| Grain | Fine, straight, and close |
| Density | 3.5 lbs per board foot |
| Janka Hardness | 660 |
| Stability | Minimal warping and shrinking |
Benefits
Cherry wood is more than just beautiful. It adds warmth and elegance to any space. Its unique grain patterns make it a favorite among woodworkers and homeowners.
Natural Beauty and Aesthetics
Its known for its stunning looks. It comes in a range of colors, from golden brown to deep red. This makes it perfect for both modern and traditional designs.
Its beauty is unmatched, turning any room into a focal point. Cherry wood’s aesthetics are truly exceptional.
Ageless Patina and Longevity
Cherry wood gets even more beautiful with age. Its patina adds character, making it more attractive over time. This wood is built to last, making it ideal for furniture that can be passed down through generations.
Exceptional Durability
Cherry wood is incredibly durable. It has a Janka hardness rating of 950, making it resistant to dents and scratches. This wood can withstand daily wear and tear, offering long-lasting value.
Its dense grain structure also means it warps and shrinks less. This ensures it remains durable and long-lasting.
| Characteristic | Cherry Wood | Other Domestic Hardwoods (e.g., Oak, Maple) |
|---|---|---|
| Janka Hardness Rating | 950 | Varies (lower than cherry) |
| Durability | High | Moderate to High |
| Color Range | Golden brown to deep red | Varies, often lighter shades |
| Patina Development | Yes, rich over time | May vary |
| Sustainability | Yes, responsibly sourced | Varies by supplier |
Common Uses
Its loved for its beauty, strength, and versatility. It’s used in many areas, like furniture and cabinetry. This makes it a favorite choice for many.
Furniture Making
Uses of cherry wood include making top-notch furniture. Its attractive color and fine grain make it perfect for:
- Dining tables
- Chairs
- Benches
- Desks
- cutting boards
- wooden utensils
- Turned objects like bowls and candlesticks
- Game pieces
Cherry wood furniture is known for lasting long. It has a Janka hardness rating of 995. This means it can handle daily use and still look great. Woodworkers love working with it because of its strength and beauty.
Cabinetry and Flooring
Cherry lumber cabinetry adds warmth and class to kitchens and bathrooms. It makes these spaces feel welcoming and fancy. Its often used for:
- Kitchen cabinets
- Bathroom vanities
- Custom built-ins
Cherry wood flooring is also popular. It looks beautiful and is durable, fitting well in both old and new homes. As a hardwood, it’s strong and adds a timeless feel.
| Use | Application | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture | Tables, chairs, desks | Durability, aesthetic appeal |
| Cabinetry | Kitchens, bathrooms | Warmth, luxury |
| Flooring | Residential, commercial | Timeless beauty, strength |
In summary, cherrywood is versatile and popular. It’s great for making beautiful cherrywood furniture and cabinetry. It’s also perfect for flooring.
Comparing Cherry Wood to Other Woods
Choosing the right wood for projects often leads to interesting contrasts. Cherry wood’s unique properties make it stand out when compared to walnut, maple, and mahogany. Let’s explore the distinctive features and benefits of each.
Walnut vs Cherry Wood
Walnut and cherry wood differ in color and grain. Cherry has a lighter, pinkish hue, while walnut is much darker. Cherry’s grain is straight and uniform, adding elegance. Walnut, on the other hand, has dramatic swirls and variations, making it more striking.
Cost is another factor. Walnut is generally pricier than cherrywood.
Maple vs Cherry Wood
Maple and cherry wood differ in hardness and appearance. Maple is harder, making it great for busy areas. Cherry is softer and develops a rich patina over time, enhancing its beauty.
This comparison shows Maple’s sturdiness against cherry’s evolving character.
Cherry Wood vs Mahogany
Cherry wood and mahogany differ in availability and appearance. Mahogany is a tropical hardwood with a deep reddish-brown hue. Cherry, sourced locally, offers similar tones but is more sustainable and cost-efficient.
Cherry wood’s softer undertone makes it versatile for various design styles, appealing to different tastes.
| Property | Cherry Wood | Walnut | Maple | Mahogany |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Light pink to rich reddish-brown | Dark brown to chocolate | Light cream to pale yellow | Deep reddish-brown |
| Hardness (Janka Rating) | 950 | 1010 | 1450 | 800 |
| Cost (per board foot) | $3 – $10 | $8 – $20 | $2 – $8 | $8 – $15 |
| Grain Pattern | Straight, smooth | Wavy, varied | Straight, uniform | Straight, occasionally interlocked |
| Sustainability | High (domestically sourced) | Medium (mostly imported) | High (sustainably harvested) | Medium (deforestation concerns) |
Brazilian Cherry Wood vs Black Cherry Wood
Brazilian cherry wood, also known as Jatoba, is a popular and highly sought-after hardwood prized for its rich, warm tones, durability, and versatility.
| Feature | Brazilian Cherry wood (Jatoba) | Black Cherry (American Cherry) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | South America | North America |
| Color | Reddish-brown with streaks | Reddish-brown with warm tones |
| Grain | Interlocked, wavy | Straight, smooth |
| Hardness (Janka) | 2,350 (Very hard) | 950 (Soft) |
| Durability | High, wear-resistant | Moderate, prone to dents |
| Workability | Difficult | Easy |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
- Choose Brazilian Cherry wood for durability and high-traffic areas like flooring.
- Choose Black Cherry for furniture, cabinetry, and ease of crafting.
Working with Cherry Wood
Cherry is a top pick for woodworkers because of its fine grain and easy workability. Knowing the best ways to machine and finish it makes projects look great and last longer.
Machining and Finishing Tips
Sharp blades are key when working with cherrywood to avoid tear-outs. Dull tools can ruin the wood’s smooth look. Plan your cuts carefully to get clean edges and a shiny finish.
Cherrywood also takes stains well, offering a wide range of colors. You can go from dark to light tones, giving you lots of design options. Always test finishes on a small piece first to see how they’ll look.
Here are some tips for working with cherrywood:
- Use top-notch sanding to get the surface ready for finishing.
- Apply finishes in thin, even layers to keep the wood looking good.
- Choose a finish that brings out the wood’s natural glow, like oil or water-based polyurethane.
- Make sure to wait the right amount of time between coats for the best results.
Working with cherrywood is very rewarding. It’s great for making furniture and cabinets because of its beauty and durability.
| Property | Cherry Wood |
|---|---|
| Janka Hardness Rating | 660 lbf |
| Weight per Board Foot | 3.5 lbs/BF |
| Common Uses | Furniture, cabinetry, turned objects |
| Price Range per Board Foot | $5 – $20 |
| Sourcing | Available from various distributors in the U.S. |
Cost and Availability
Cherry lumber is a mid-range hardwood with a cost that changes based on several factors. These include thickness, grade, and figure type. For example, prices per board foot (BF) can range from $2.95 to $15.25.
The most common thicknesses are 4/4, 5/4, and 6/4. Premium-grade cherry lumber usually costs between $5.50 and $10.50 per BF.
Prices can go up for lumber with special features. For instance, 12/4 thickness with curly figure types can cost $10.75 to $15.25 per BF. The figure and grain orientation also impact the price. Rift & quartered cuts, for example, can cost from $9.80 to $13.30 for 4/4 thickness.
North America, mainly Pennsylvania, New York, and Wisconsin, is a big supplier of cherry lumber. This area provides about 85%-100% of clear lumber. This ensures high-quality products.
Builders and woodworkers can find cherry lumber in lengths from 18” to 48”. Widths range from 2.5” to 6.5”.
Standardized grades like FAS-Select-Prime ensure at least 83 1/3% clear face cuttings. This high demand makes Cherrywood a valuable investment for projects.
Conclusion
This cherry wood guide has shown the many benefits and uses of it. It’s known for its beauty, durability, and versatility. Cherrywood is loved for its rich tones and luxurious grain patterns.
It’s a top choice for high-quality handmade furniture. It adds warmth to any space with its golden brown to deep red hues. Each piece is unique, with its own grain patterns and color variations.
As time goes by, cherry gets a beautiful patina. This deepens its color, adding charm to every piece. Its durability comes from its dense grain and natural resistance to warping.
Cherry wood is a long-lasting choice for many styles. It’s also eco-friendly, thanks to responsible harvesting practices. This makes it appealing to those who care about the environment.
Cherry lumber is more than just a material; it’s a symbol of traditional craftsmanship. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, it shows heritage and quality. Whether you make furniture or own a home, this guide will inspire you about cherry wood’s possibilities.
