Content Menu
● Key Characteristics of Cherry Wood
>> 1. Color and Aesthetic Appeal
>> 4. Stability
>> 3. Flooring
● Advantages and Disadvantages of Cherry Wood
>> Advantages
● Cherry Wood vs Other Hardwoods
● The Aging Process of Cherry Wood
● Sustainability and Environmental Impact
● Cherry Wood in Modern Design
>> 1. What type of tree does cherry wood come from?
>> 2. Is cherry wood expensive compared to oak or maple?
>> 3. How can I slow down cherry wood's darkening process?
>> 4. Is cherry wood suitable for outdoor furniture?
>> 5. Does cherry wood require special maintenance?
Among woodworking enthusiasts, furniture designers, and homeowners, one of the most frequent questions is: Is cherry wood a hardwood? The simple answer is yes. Cherry wood belongs to the hardwood family, but there's much more to learn when it comes to its botanical origins, structural characteristics, and aesthetic qualities.
Cherry wood has long been admired for its deep reddish tones, stunning grain texture, and ability to darken beautifully over time. But beyond appearance, it also offers excellent workability, stability, and moderate durability that make it a favorite in fine furniture and high-end cabinetry.
This article explores why cherry wood is classified as a hardwood, examines its properties, compares it with other hardwoods, and discusses its uses, benefits, and care methods.
The main distinction between hardwood and softwood lies not in hardness but botanical origin.
- Hardwoods come from angiosperms — flowering trees that produce seeds enclosed within fruit or shells, such as oak, maple, and cherry.
- Softwoods, on the other hand, are produced by gymnosperms — cone-bearing trees like pine, cedar, or spruce.
Since the cherry tree (Prunus serotina) is an angiosperm, it falls under the hardwood classification. This means its cellular structure has vessels or pores, giving the wood a distinctive fine grain and smooth texture.
While “hardwood” doesn't necessarily mean “hard,” the Janka hardness test measures how resistant a wood species is to denting and wear. Cherry wood has a Janka hardness rating of 950 lbf (pound-force), which places it below denser species like maple (1,450 lbf) or oak (1,290 lbf), yet well above softwoods such as pine (420 lbf).
This middle-ground hardness gives cherry the perfect balance of workability and durability — making it neither too hard to machine nor too soft to be used in reliable furniture pieces.
Cherry wood exhibits a brilliant transformation over its lifetime. Freshly milled cherry starts out with a light pinkish tone and gradually darkens into deep reddish-brown hues under natural light. This aging process, known as *oxidation*, is one of the wood's most loved traits.
The final color often depends on growing conditions and region, with American Black Cherry presenting the richest tones and European Cherry showing lighter shades.
The grain pattern in cherry is typically fine, straight, and even, which is why the wood takes stains and finishes extremely well. Occasionally, you may find curling, gum streaks, or small figures, which add to its decorative value. Because of this consistency, cherry is often used for high-end furniture veneers and fine paneling.
Cherry wood is admired for its exceptional machinability. It cuts, sands, and polishes smoothly without tearing, offering a silky finish that doesn't require heavy sanding. Carpenters appreciate how easily it responds to both hand tools and power machines, while still maintaining tight joints and a refined surface finish.
Dimensional stability is a major factor in furniture and flooring applications. Cherry performs remarkably well, as it has low shrinkage and expansion rates, meaning it resists warping when humidity levels fluctuate.
Cherry wood strikes a fine balance between medium hardness and excellent structural integrity. While it's not as dent-resistant as oak, it has good wear resistance, shock absorption, and natural decay resistance. When properly finished, cherry wood can last for generations.
Cherry wood's warm, luxurious appearance makes it a top choice for handcrafted furniture, including dining tables, desks, beds, and dressers. Its ability to darken gracefully enhances its value for heirloom-quality pieces passed down through generations.
In modern and traditional kitchens, cherry wood cabinetry is prized for its rich color tones and natural luster. Its fine grain adds elegance, while its moderate hardness ensures durability against daily wear.
Although slightly softer than oak or maple, cherry flooring is chosen for its warmth and color depth. Over time, it develops a characteristic patina that adds charm to living spaces.
Cherry wood is used in trim, moldings, and interior wall paneling. It provides a consistent finish and is easy to cut precisely for intricate detailing in high-end interiors.
The wood's tonal qualities make it suitable for woodwind instruments and guitar bodies, delivering warmth and clarity in sound.
From fine jewelry boxes to decorative carvings, cherry wood's smooth texture and elegant look make it the material of choice for small luxury items.
- Beautiful Natural Color: Deep hues that darken attractively with age.
- Fine Grain: Smooth texture ideal for finishing and staining.
- Excellent Workability: Easy to machine, carve, and sand.
- Sustainable Source: Grows naturally across North America in managed forests.
- Durability: Provides strong performance for long-term furniture use.
- Moderate Hardness: More prone to dents compared to denser hardwoods.
- Light Sensitivity: Uneven exposure to light may cause color variation.
- Expense: Premium cherry lumber can cost more than oak or ash.
- Soft for Heavy Flooring: Not ideal for high-traffic commercial applications.
| Property | Cherry | Oak | Maple | Walnut | Mahogany |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Janka Hardness (lbf) | 950 | 1,290 | 1,450 | 1,010 | 800 |
| Density | Medium | High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Color | Reddish-Brown | Tan to Light Brown | Pale Cream | Dark Chocolate | Reddish-Golden |
| Workability | Excellent | Moderate | Hard to Work | Medium | Excellent |
| Finish Quality | Smooth and Even | Grainy | Smooth | Rich | Deep Gloss |
| Cost | Moderate-High | Moderate | Moderate | High | High |
The table reveals that, while cherry isn't the hardest, its smooth grain and aging beauty make it one of the most desirable woods for aesthetic and practical applications.
One defining feature of cherry is how it changes color over time. After months or years of light exposure, the pigments in cherry oxidize, transforming it from light pinkish-brown to deep red-brown tones. This photosensitive reaction is accelerated under sunlight, making each piece of cherry furniture age uniquely.
To ensure even coloration:
- Rotate the furniture occasionally.
- Avoid partially covering surfaces for long periods.
- Apply UV-resistant finishes to slow down uneven darkening.
Cherry wood is among the most sustainably harvested hardwoods in North America. The American Black Cherry tree regenerates quickly and grows abundantly across the eastern United States. Responsible forestry practices ensure minimal environmental impact, and cherry's long life cycle adds to its ecological value.
By choosing cherry, consumers also reduce dependence on imported tropical hardwoods that often come from regions with deforestation risks.
To maintain the radiant look of cherry wood, consistent maintenance is essential.
- Keep Surfaces Dust-Free: Use soft microfiber cloths to prevent scratches.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: It accelerates uneven color changes.
- Mild Cleaners Only: Avoid harsh chemicals that strip finishes.
- Polish Periodically: A light application of beeswax or wood polish restores gloss.
- Control Humidity: Maintain 40–55% indoor humidity to prevent shrinkage or swelling.
When properly cared for, cherry wood develops a lustrous richness that improves with age—a quality few other hardwoods can claim.
Despite its association with traditional and antique furniture, cherry wood fits seamlessly into contemporary design trends. Its natural beauty complements minimalist interiors and modern architecture. Many designers pair cherry surfaces with steel, glass, or stone for a balanced blend of warmth and sophistication.
Additionally, modern finishing techniques—like matte oil finishes or low-sheen lacquers—help achieve a more contemporary feel without losing cherry's characteristic glow.
Cherry wood offers the rare blend of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. For furniture makers and homeowners alike, its stability, rich coloring, and timeless charm make it an investment that pays off over time. Whether used in custom cabinetry, heirloom tables, or fine musical instruments, cherry remains a material that symbolizes warmth and elegance.
So, is cherry wood a hardwood? Absolutely. As a member of the angiosperm family, cherry wood has all the defining traits of hardwoods—dense grain, rich texture, and superior durability. It may not be the hardest species, but it strikes a perfect balance between beauty, stability, and workability.
Its aging process, which deepens color and appeal over time, gives cherry its legendary reputation among craftspeople and designers. Whether your goal is to build fine furniture, design elegant interiors, or invest in sustainable materials, cherry wood remains one of the finest hardwood choices available.
Cherry wood comes from the Black Cherry tree (Prunus serotina), a deciduous hardwood native to North America, known for its rich color and smooth texture.
Cherry wood tends to be slightly more expensive due to its limited availability and high demand in fine furniture manufacturing. However, its longevity and beauty justify the investment.
You can slow oxidation by using UV-protective finishes and keeping furniture out of direct sunlight. Regular rotation and even exposure help maintain consistent coloration.
It's primarily used indoors because it's not highly weather-resistant. While naturally rot-resistant, exposure to moisture and sunlight can damage it unless treated with outdoor-grade finishes.
Not particularly. Routine cleaning, occasional polishing, and avoiding direct sunlight are enough to preserve its finish and enhance its natural patina over time.
