Discounted Shipping
Characteristics
Pricing:
Average
Hardness:
950
Janka
Distribution
Eastern North America
Accessibility
Readily Available
Appearance
Cherry wood's core exhibits an attractive, light pinkish-brown color when newly cut, transitioning to a deep, medium reddish-brown with age and light exposure. Its sapwood presents a creamy pale-yellow shade, interspersed with sporadic dark red or black pitch pockets.
Workability
Furniture and cabinet makers prize cherry wood for its ease of workability and uniform coloring. Even pieces with curly or figured patterns are easy to plane and machine. However, caution is advised if you plan to stain cherry, as it can absorb stain unevenly, resulting in a blotchy appearance. Apply shellac or a sanding sealer before staining to avoid this problem.
Uses
Cherry wood's unique characteristics are ideal for various applications, ranging from flooring to fine furniture, cabinetry, veneer, turnings, and interior millwork.
Cherry Categories
Cherry Products
The Many Applications for Cherry Wood
Because of cherry wood's warm, rich hues and smooth grain, it's a popular choice for a variety of applications. Traditionally, it has been a staple in the creation of fine furniture, offering a timeless elegance that complements both modern and classic designs. Cabinet makers particularly value cherry for its uniform texture and color, which lend a seamless finish to kitchen and bathroom installations. Cherry's aesthetic appeal and structural integrity also are ideal for crafting high-end paneling and molding, enhancing the sophistication of any interior space.
Flooring made from cherry wood adds a touch of luxury and warmth to homes, with its unique aging process that sees the wood darken to a richer tone over time. Woodworkers also favor cherry for smaller projects, such as turned items, carvings, and musical instruments, due to its workability and fine finish. The wood's natural luster and minimal grain make it a preferred choice for decorative objects and luxury items, like jewelry boxes and high-quality pens. Cherry's resistance to warping and decay also extends its use to outdoor applications, though this is less common than indoor furnishings. Cherry is a stand-out choice for veneers because of its smooth surface; it's often used in private and commercial settings to convey a sense of upscale decor. Cherry wood's versatility, coupled with its aesthetic qualities, ensures its continued popularity in both traditional and contemporary woodworking projects. Thanks to cherry's adaptability, it's an invaluable material in the hands of skilled artisans and designers.
Cherry Wood Color
Cherry wood's color is one of its most celebrated features, exhibiting a natural elegance and depth that enriches over time. Initially, cherry wood presents a light pinkish-brown hue, exuding a soft, warm quality that is both inviting and subtle. As the wood ages, it undergoes a remarkable transformation, deepening to a rich, reddish-brown tone that is both striking and sophisticated. This maturation process is a unique characteristic of cherry, making each piece distinct and full of character. The heart wood specifically showcases this dynamic range of colors, from the initial gentle blush to the matured, robust red. In contrast, the sapwood maintains a lighter, creamy, pale-yellow color, providing a beautiful natural contrast that highlights the wood's organic beauty.
Exposure to light accelerates this darkening process, enhancing the vibrancy and richness of the color over time. The smooth grain of cherry wood further complements its coloration, allowing for a uniform finish that is both elegant and easy to maintain. However, this sensitivity to light means that cherry wood products can experience uneven coloring if not exposed uniformly to light. Considering the placement of cherry wood items within a space is essential to preserve the natural color variations and ensure a balanced aging process. Artisans and enthusiasts often celebrate this evolving color palette, which adds a dimension of timelessness and history to the wood's appeal. The color of cherry wood:
- Defines its aesthetic appeal
- Gives it emotional resonance
- Makes it a favored choice in traditional and contemporary designs
Cherry Wood's Fine Grain
Cherry wood is renowned for its fine, straight grain, which contributes to its smooth texture and appealing finish. In addition to the standard grain, cherry wood can also exhibit figured patterns, such as fiddleback or quilted designs, adding a unique visual interest and depth to the wood's appearance. Curly cherry, with its wavy grain pattern, offers another level of aesthetic appeal, reflecting light in a way that gives the wood a three-dimensional quality. These figured and curly varieties are especially sought after for specialty projects and furnishings, which showcase their distinctive grain patterns. Despite the variations, all types of cherry wood grain share a similar smoothness and workability, enhancing the wood's natural beauty and making it a versatile choice for a range of applications. Whether used in its natural, straight-grained form or selected for its unique figured patterns, cherry wood's grain contributes significantly to its popularity and timeless elegance.
Cherry Wood's Workability
The exceptional workability of cherry wood makes it a favorite among woodworkers and artisans. Its straight grain and fine, even texture allow for smooth cutting and easy machining, resulting in clean, sharp edges and surfaces. Cherry responds well to hand and power tools, making it versatile for shaping and detailed work, such as intricate joinery or carving. Despite its hardness, cherry wood is relatively easy to sand. When sanded properly, it achieves a glass-like finish that enhances its natural beauty. However, woodworkers should note that cherry can burn if tools are dull or if there is excessive friction during machining. Cherry holds screws and nails well, and it is highly compatible with glues, making it ideal for constructing durable furniture and joinery projects.
4/4 Rough Cut Cherry Lumber Pack
95 ReviewsBlack Cherry wood is coveted by furniture and cabinet makers!
Choose from 2 different sizes of our 4/4 Cherry Rough Cut Lumber Packs; 10 Board feet or 20 Board Feet. We will carefully handpick an assortment of boards in the pack size of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Wood
As a supplier in the $389 million global cherry wood market, KJP Select Hardwoods has a wealth of knowledge to share. Read the following questions for the answers you need.
What Is Cherry Wood?
Cherry wood is a beautifully colored, fine-grained timber prized for furniture, cabinetry, and other high-quality applications. KJP Select Hardwoods offers cherry wood for sale in a wide range of forms, including rough cut and S4S lumber.
Is Cherry Wood a Hardwood?
Yes, cherry wood is a hardwood. It's just one example of the many hardwoods available at KJP Select Hardwoods.
What Color Is Cherry Wood?
Cherry wood's heart wood starts as a light pinkish-brown color and darkens to a deep reddish brown over time.
Trust KJP Select Hardwoods for Your Cherry Wood Needs
KJP Select Hardwoods offers an outstanding lineup of cherry wood products, such as thins, veneers, bowl blanks, plywood, and live edge pieces besides rough cut and S4S lumber. We also have cutting board packages that feature cherry. Browse our comprehensive collection today and get started on your next cherry wood project.
