Cherry
Cherry is a premium hardwood celebrated for its warm reddish-brown color, fine grain, and exceptional aging characteristics that darken to a rich patina over time, making it a preferred choice for high-quality furniture, cabinetry, and interior architectural elements where beauty and refinement are paramount.
Composition
Cherry is a natural hardwood primarily from the Prunus genus. The most commercially important species is American Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), though European Cherry (Prunus avium) is also used in some applications. Cherry wood consists primarily of cellulose fibers bound by lignin, with various extractives that contribute to its distinctive color and aging characteristics. The wood contains compounds that react with light over time, causing the characteristic darkening and enrichment of color that cherry is famous for. Cherry typically has a moisture content of 6-8% when kiln-dried for interior applications. The heartwood ranges from light pinkish-brown when freshly cut to a deep reddish-brown after exposure to light, while the sapwood is creamy white to yellowish.
Properties
Density
35-38 lbs/ft³ (560-610 kg/m³)
Moderate density compared to other hardwoods, providing a good balance between weight and strength. This moderate density contributes to cherry's excellent workability while maintaining sufficient strength for most applications.
Janka Hardness
950 lbf (4,230 N)
Moderate hardness compared to other hardwoods, offering reasonable resistance to denting and wear while remaining easily workable. Cherry is harder than pine but softer than maple or oak, placing it in the lower-middle range of commercial hardwoods.
Bending Strength (MOR)
12,300 psi (85 MPa)
Good strength properties that make it suitable for furniture and other applications requiring moderate structural performance. Cherry offers sufficient strength for most furniture applications while being less prone to splitting than some stronger woods.
Stiffness (MOE)
1.49 million psi (10.3 GPa)
Moderate stiffness that provides good resistance to deflection while allowing some flexibility. This property makes cherry suitable for applications where some resilience is desired along with structural integrity.
Decay Resistance
Moderate
The heartwood has some natural resistance to decay, though not sufficient for ground contact or severe exposure without treatment. This moderate decay resistance makes cherry suitable for interior applications and some protected exterior uses.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with fine texture
Typically straight-grained with a fine, uniform texture and subtle grain pattern. The wood often features small gum pockets, pin knots, and mineral streaks that add character rather than detracting from its appearance. Cherry's grain is less prominent than oak or ash, giving it a smoother, more refined appearance.
Applications
Fine Furniture
One of the premier woods for high-quality furniture, prized by craftsmen for centuries. Cherry's warm color, fine grain, stability, and excellent working properties make it ideal for both traditional and contemporary furniture styles. It is particularly valued for case goods, tables, chairs, and bedroom furniture where its natural beauty can be showcased. Cherry furniture develops a rich, deep patina over time as it darkens with exposure to light, becoming more valuable and beautiful with age. The wood's consistent texture allows for both simple, clean designs and intricate, detailed work.
Cabinetry
Widely used for premium kitchen and bathroom cabinetry where its warm color and fine grain create a welcoming, sophisticated aesthetic. Cherry cabinetry is available in various styles from traditional raised panel to sleek contemporary designs. It works well with many interior design styles, from traditional to transitional to modern. Cherry's stability makes it well-suited for cabinet doors and frames, while its workability allows for detailed moldings and profiles. The wood's natural darkening process should be considered in design planning, as it will continue to deepen in color over time.
Interior Architectural Elements
Frequently used for high-end interior architectural elements including trim, moldings, wainscoting, paneling, and built-ins. Cherry architectural elements provide warmth and sophistication to interior spaces. The wood's fine grain and smooth texture make it ideal for detailed millwork and moldings. Cherry is often used for formal spaces like dining rooms, libraries, and offices where its refined appearance enhances the ambiance. It is also popular for stair parts, including handrails, balusters, and newel posts, where its combination of beauty and moderate hardness works well.
Doors and Entryways
Used for premium interior doors, entry doors, and surrounding millwork where its beauty creates a striking impression. Cherry doors, whether solid or veneer over an engineered core, provide a warm welcome and sophisticated transition between spaces. The wood's stability helps prevent warping and movement in door applications. Cherry is often used for important doors such as main entries, office entrances, or formal room entrances where its premium appearance signals the importance of the space beyond.
Veneer and Decorative Panels
Sliced into thin veneers for use in plywood, furniture, cabinetry, and architectural panels. Cherry veneer allows the beauty of the wood to be applied economically to larger surfaces and substrates that offer better dimensional stability. It is used for wall paneling, cabinet faces, door skins, and furniture components. Bookmatched and sequenced cherry veneers create subtle but elegant visual effects prized in high-end applications.
Specialty Items
Used for musical instruments (particularly piano cases and guitar components), decorative boxes, turned objects, and small specialty items where its beauty and working properties are valued. Cherry's warm color, fine grain, and excellent finishing characteristics make it ideal for these decorative applications. It is also used for custom retail fixtures, display cases, and high-end commercial interiors where a premium, welcoming appearance is desired.
Advantages
- Beautiful warm color that deepens and enriches with age
- Fine, uniform grain pattern that takes detail well
- Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools
- Takes finishes exceptionally well, from simple oil to high-gloss polish
- Good dimensional stability with minimal movement after proper drying
- Character marks like small gum pockets and pin knots add interest without compromising quality
- Moderate weight makes it easier to work with than denser hardwoods
- Relatively good availability compared to some exotic hardwoods
Limitations
- Higher cost than many alternative hardwoods
- Moderate hardness makes it susceptible to dents and scratches
- Significant color change over time requires design consideration
- Sapwood is much lighter in color, requiring careful selection for color consistency
- Photosensitive nature means uneven exposure to light can cause uneven coloration
- Can blotch when stained unless properly conditioned
- Not suitable for exterior applications without proper treatment
- Limited availability in wider widths and longer lengths
Sustainability Profile
Cherry has a moderate sustainability profile. American Black Cherry grows at a moderate rate (40-60 years to harvest maturity) and is managed in mixed hardwood forests throughout the eastern United States. While not endangered, sustainable harvesting practices are important to ensure long-term availability. Look for FSC certification to ensure responsible forestry practices. Cherry's exceptional durability and timeless appeal contribute positively to its lifecycle assessment, as products often remain in use for generations, spreading environmental impact over a very long service life. The processing of cherry (sawing, drying, milling) requires energy, but less than many manufactured alternatives. Cherry trees provide important ecological benefits including food for wildlife, soil stabilization, and carbon sequestration. The species is often part of diverse forest ecosystems that support biodiversity. Cherry is fully biodegradable and can be recycled, repurposed, or used as biomass fuel at end of life. The wood's natural beauty often requires minimal finishing, allowing for low-VOC treatment options that reduce environmental impact. Cherry's moderate growth rate places it between fast-growing species like maple and slow-growing species like walnut in terms of renewability.