Natural cherry wood is perhaps the most prized furniture hardwood in America. Easily our most popular seller, cherry is a smooth-grained, reddish-brown hardwood that comes from the
Harder isn't always better. Cherry's relative softness contributes to its excellent workability – the highest rated among common North American hardwood species. The disadvantage to using cherry is that the material is more easily dented and scratched than oak, maple and other denser lumber.
Oak is more widely available, making it cost less than cherry. Oak is one of the least expensive hardwood types for wood furniture, along with brown maple. Characteristics of Oak Wood: Is oak the right wood type for you?
When it comes to overall strength and durability, maple triumphs. Maple is a significantly stronger hardwood product than cherry. In fact, maple is one of the strongest and most durable natural wood options available. It holds up well resisting significant dents or dings.
Tips for Decorating with Cherry Wood Furniture
One of the reasons that Cherry furniture doesn't go out of style is because this furniture comes in so many colors and can be paired well with many different modern accent styles.
Dark Wood Floors
Rich shades like walnut or espresso are timeless. They add depth and contrast, especially in larger rooms. Dark wood floors pair beautifully with lighter furniture for a striking look.
Cherry is perhaps the most prized furniture hardwood in America. Most of the highest grade cherry is used for this purpose. However, mid- and lower-tier cherry wood is often found in kitchen cabinets and wood flooring. Its also common in kitchen accessories like bowls, wood spoons, and cutting boards.
So let's take a look at maple wood. The good news is that not only is maple more affordable than many other hardwoods, it's also a great option in terms of being eco-friendly.
With a Janka hardness rating between 1290 and 1360 lbf, oak is significantly stronger and harder than cherry wood, making it highly resistant to dents and scratches.
While several varieties of wood may be affordable, softwoods emerge as the most inexpensive choice, particularly types like pine, spruce, and fir.
Cherry wood is a prized material, and its beauty and workability come at a premium. Its heartwood, the inner core of the timber, is particularly costly as it is denser, more stable, and has a richer, more vibrant color compared to the sapwood. But this is the case for other species of wood, too.
One of the most important reasons cherries are so expensive is that they select climates where they can grow, which is why you may have observed that some farmers don't even grow their own cherry trees. Even those who truly love cherries have a hard time growing these fruits in their personal yards.
People continue to request cherry wood for their kitchen cabinets because of its classic, warm good looks. They simply do not seem to go out of style. Consequently, cherry cabinets make a timeless addition to any kitchen.
What are the side-effects of cherries? If you have a sensitive stomach, then excess consumption of cherries may lead to diarrhea, gas, or bloating. Moreover, eating too many cherries can also lead to allergic reactions. Experts also warn that people with diabetes should consume cherries cautiously.
List of Least Expensive Hardwoods. You can work with Maple, Poplar, Alder, White Oak, Beech, and Ash as they are less expensive than more exotic species of hardwood like Cherry, Walnut, and Mahogany.
With a rating of 1450 on the Janka hardness scale, Maple is one of the hardest species of wood commonly used for flooring. Cherry, on the other hand, is one of the softest hardwoods in the flooring industry, with a Janka rating of 950.
Mahogany Today
Mahogany is now an endangered species, due to illegal logging and rampant overharvesting. The Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) placed controls on its importation in 2022.
Sensitive to Water Damage Cherry wood is particularly sensitive to water and moisture exposure, which can lead to warping or staining over time. Areas prone to spills or high humidity are not ideal for cherry wood flooring.
When it comes to strength and longevity, walnut is denser and stronger. It's better for larger, heavier furniture that needs to withstand more pressure and weight. Cherry, while not as hard as walnut, is still strong enough for detailed and finely crafted pieces where ease of workability is important.
Even though cherry is a slightly softer variety of hardwood, it's one you can trust to stay strong. It can however, sustain nicks and dents more easily than other hardwoods, so owners of cherry furniture should take care that it is protected.
For many homeowners looking to build or remodel their homes Cherry cabinets can be thought of as an outdated or even expensive option, but the truth is they are very much still “in,” most notably with today's stain offerings that help to reduce the redness of the wood.
Refinishing cherry cabinets to a lighter brown-gray tone involves stripping the current finish, sanding, and applying a lighter stain.