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Cherry (Prunus serotina) Hardwood
American Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is one of the most prized domestic hardwoods — beloved for its warm reddish-brown color that deepens dramatically with age and light exposure. Fresh cherry is a...
Janka Hardness
950 lbf
Workability
Outstanding
Color Change
Dramatic
Density
35 lbs/ft³
What Is Cherry Wood?
American Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is one of the most prized domestic hardwoods — beloved for its warm reddish-brown color that deepens dramatically with age and light exposure. Fresh cherry is a light pinkish-brown that transforms over months into a rich, deep reddish-brown, making every piece of cherry furniture a living work of art that becomes more beautiful over time.
With a Janka hardness of 950 lbf, Cherry is moderately hard — softer than oak or maple but with outstanding workability that makes it a favorite of furniture makers and cabinetmakers. It cuts cleanly, machines complex profiles beautifully, and takes a glass-smooth natural finish that showcases the wood's lustrous grain and satiny surface.
Cherry's fine, straight grain with occasional pith flecks and natural gum pockets gives each piece distinctive character. The wood is dimensionally stable and glues exceptionally well. It's the traditional choice for Shaker and Colonial-era furniture, and remains one of the most popular species for high-end kitchen cabinetry, built-ins, and architectural millwork.
Key Facts
- Color deepens dramatically from pinkish-brown to rich reddish-brown with light exposure
- Fine, satiny grain produces a naturally lustrous surface
- Outstanding workability — machines complex profiles cleanly
- Traditional choice for Shaker and Colonial American furniture
- Domestically sourced from eastern North American forests
- One of the most popular species for luxury kitchen cabinetry
Why Choose Cherry?
Living Color
Cherry's dramatic color change from light pink to deep reddish-brown is unique among hardwoods — your furniture gets more beautiful with age
Satiny Surface
Fine, straight grain produces a naturally lustrous, satiny finish that feels smooth to the touch
Excellent Workability
Machines beautifully, carves cleanly, and takes a mirror finish with minimal effort
Natural Beauty
Distinctive pith flecks and occasional gum pockets give each piece unique character
Reliable Stability
Good dimensional stability for furniture and cabinetry — components stay flat and true
Domestic Availability
Sustainably harvested from eastern North American forests with reliable supply
Common Applications
Cherry is well-suited for a range of interior and exterior applications.
Fine Furniture
Dining tables, chairs, desks, dressers — the American classic for heirloom furniture
Kitchen Cabinetry
One of the most popular species for luxury kitchen cabinets and built-ins
Architectural Millwork
Crown molding, paneling, mantels, and decorative trim throughout the home
Interior Doors
Raised-panel and flat-panel interior doors with warm, elegant character
Flooring
Wide-plank cherry flooring for warm, inviting spaces
Turning & Carving
Bowls, decorative pieces, and carved elements leveraging cherry's fine workability
Cherry by Application
Learn how Cherry performs across different project types.
Cherry Fine Furniture
American Cherry is the definitive choice for heirloom-quality furniture — dining tables, desks, dressers, and bed frames that become more beautiful with every passing year. Cherry's dramatic color change from pinkish-brown to deep reddish-brown creates a living piece of art that evolves over time. The fine, satiny grain produces a naturally lustrous surface under clear finishes, and the wood's outstanding workability means complex joinery, carvings, and turned components are executed with precision. Cherry has been the premier American furniture wood since Colonial times, and pieces made centuries ago still command premium prices. For furniture that will be passed down through generations, Cherry is unmatched.
Explore all fine furniture optionsCherry Kitchen Cabinetry
Cherry cabinetry brings warmth, elegance, and timeless style to any kitchen. The wood's fine grain machines cleanly into raised-panel doors, shaker profiles, and contemporary slab styles. Its moderate hardness (950 lbf) resists daily kitchen wear while accepting complex routing and detailed millwork. Cherry's natural color evolution adds character to the kitchen over time — cabinets deepen from a light blush to a rich, warm reddish-brown. For kitchen designs ranging from traditional colonial to transitional contemporary, cherry cabinetry provides a versatile, premium foundation.
Explore all kitchen cabinetry optionsCherry Hardwood Flooring
Cherry hardwood flooring creates warm, inviting spaces with a refined elegance that few other species can match. Wide-plank cherry floors showcase the wood's fine grain and natural color variation, and the dramatic color change over the first year transforms new floors into rooms with character. At 950 lbf Janka, cherry is best suited for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas with moderate foot traffic. The wood takes both oil and polyurethane finishes beautifully, and can be refinished multiple times over its lifespan. For homeowners who appreciate a floor that tells a story through its evolving color, cherry flooring is a distinguished choice.
Explore all hardwood flooring optionsInstallation & Working Tips
- Standard woodworking tools work perfectly — cherry machines like a dream
- Sand progressively to 320+ grit for the smoothest possible finish
- Use a wood conditioner before staining to prevent blotching (cherry absorbs stain unevenly)
- Natural oil or clear finish showcases cherry's beauty better than dark stains
- Glues excellently with standard wood adhesives
- Expect dramatic color change in the first 6-12 months of light exposure
For complete guidance, see our installation guide and custom milling services.
Maintenance & Care
Cherry is an interior hardwood that requires standard wood care. Its most notable characteristic is the dramatic color change that occurs naturally over time.
Color Change
Cherry deepens from pinkish-brown to rich reddish-brown with light exposure. This is normal and highly desirable. The change is most dramatic in the first year and continues gradually. Rotate table items periodically to ensure even color development.
Finishing
Clear finishes (oil, lacquer, polyurethane) best showcase cherry's natural beauty and allow the color to develop naturally. If staining, always use a pre-stain wood conditioner to prevent blotchy absorption.
Cleaning
Dust regularly with a soft cloth. Clean with a slightly damp cloth and mild wood cleaner. For oiled finishes, reapply oil every 6-12 months to maintain luster.
Important Considerations
Not for Exterior Use
Cherry has poor natural decay resistance and should not be used outdoors or in wet environments without treatment.
Stain Blotching
Cherry absorbs stain unevenly due to its fine grain. Always use a pre-stain conditioner, or choose a natural/clear finish instead.
Price Premium
Cherry commands a premium over oak and maple due to its color and character. Wide, clear boards are especially expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry
Quick answers to common questions
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