No Products in Your Cart
If there’s one wood that captures the heart of traditional craftsmanship, it’s Cherry Wood. With its silky texture, rich colour, and graceful aging process, Cherry Lumber has long been the darling of fine furniture makers and cabinetry artisans.
Its subtle beauty deepens over time—what starts as a light pinkish tan gradually transforms into a deep reddish-brown patina, giving every piece a story of its own.
At The Knotty Lumber Co., we carry Cherry Wood Lumber for woodworkers who appreciate warmth, consistency, and timeless sophistication. Whether you’re building heirloom furniture, decorative panels, or turned bowls, Cherry brings classic charm that never fades.
Cherry Wood comes from the Black Cherry tree (Prunus serotina), native to North America and found throughout the eastern United States and southern Canada.
Cherry is classified as a fine-grained hardwood and has been prized for centuries for its smooth texture, excellent workability, and naturally rich colour. It’s one of the few domestic hardwoods that can compete visually with tropical species—without sacrificing ease of use.
It’s used widely in furniture, cabinetry, millwork, and instrument making, valued for its blend of elegance and performance.
Cherry’s beauty lies in its simplicity—a refined, uniform grain paired with natural warmth and depth that develops with age.
Typical Characteristics:
• Heartwood: Light pinkish-brown when freshly cut, maturing to a deep red or reddish-brown patina.
• Sapwood: Creamy white to pale yellow, often used intentionally for colour contrast.
• Grain: Straight and fine, with occasional curls or waves that enhance figure.
• Texture: Smooth and satiny to the touch, with natural luster.
• Aging: Deepens in colour when exposed to light and air, achieving a rich, glowing warmth over time.
Few woods offer the visual transformation Cherry does—it’s a wood that gets better with age, like a fine wine or seasoned craftsman’s hand.
Cherry is adored not only for its beauty but also for how effortlessly it works. It’s one of the most enjoyable hardwoods to machine, sand, and finish.
Technical Overview:
• Janka Hardness: ~995 lbf (medium hardness; similar to walnut).
• Density: Moderate; well-balanced weight and strength.
• Workability: Excellent—machines smoothly, minimal tear-out.
• Turning: Cuts cleanly and polishes easily.
• Gluing & Screwing: Excellent adhesion and hold.
• Finishing: Outstanding; accepts oils, varnishes, and stains evenly.
It’s no wonder Cherry is a staple in woodworking schools and professional shops alike—it’s predictable, stable, and finishes beautifully every time.
Cherry’s timeless colour and versatility make it a top choice for both traditional and modern designs. Its durability ensures that the beauty you see today lasts for generations.
Common Uses Include:
• Fine furniture and cabinetry
• Architectural millwork and paneling
• Flooring and stair parts
• Turned bowls, platters, and handles
• Musical instruments and decorative carvings
Its balance of elegance and practicality makes it just as comfortable in a rustic kitchen as in a high-end designer showroom.
Cherry is the kind of wood that elevates any project—its elegance is quiet but unmistakable.
While Cherry is a pleasure to work with, there are a few quirks to be mindful of:
• Color Sensitivity: Freshly planed wood can darken quickly under sunlight.
• Sapwood Contrast: The colour variation between heart and sapwood can be pronounced.
• Burn Marks: Sharp tools and light passes prevent scorch marks during routing or sanding.
• Price Fluctuations: Demand for Cherry furniture can cause seasonal price variations.
Handled with care, Cherry rewards patience with perfection.
Few woods respond to finishing as beautifully as Cherry. Its fine grain ensures a smooth, even surface without filler, and its natural luster glows under virtually any finish type.
Recommended Finishes:
• Danish or Tung Oil: Enhances depth and patina development.
• Shellac: Traditional warm finish that complements Cherry’s glow.
• Oil-based polyurethane: Adds rich, protective sheen.
• Water-based finishes: Maintain lighter, pinkish tones if desired.
• Wax finish: For a soft, hand-rubbed look on smaller pieces.
💡 Tip: To accelerate Cherry’s natural aging, briefly expose freshly finished pieces to indirect sunlight for a few hours before final coating.
Though often compared for their domestic popularity, Cherry and Maple have very different personalities in the shop and final appearance.
|
Feature |
Cherry Wood |
Maple Wood |
|
Color |
Pinkish-brown to deep red |
Creamy white to light tan |
|
Grain |
Fine and smooth |
Tight and uniform |
|
Hardness |
~995 lbf |
~1,450 lbf (hard maple) |
|
Workability |
Excellent |
More dense and difficult |
|
Finish |
Warm, glowing patina |
Clear, bright finish |
|
Aging |
Darkens with time |
Remains light |
|
Best Use |
Furniture, cabinetry, millwork |
Countertops, flooring, cutting boards |
If Maple is clean and modern, Cherry is classic and timeless—a wood that matures alongside the craftsmanship that shapes it.
When buying Cherry, look for uniform grain and consistent colour—it’s the mark of high-quality stock that finishes evenly.
What to Look For:
• Kiln-dried stock: Stable and ready for fine joinery.
• Straight, even grain: Minimizes tear-out and blotching.
• Balanced heartwood: Select for consistent tone or contrast with sapwood.
• Proper surfacing: S2S or S4S ensures readiness for precision builds.
At The Knotty Lumber Co., our Cherry Lumber is:
• Kiln-dried and surfaced for immediate use
• Selected for colour balance and clear grain
• Available in rough, dressed, and turning blank formats
• Sustainably harvested from North American forests
We supply Cherry that’s ready for fine furniture, cabinetry, and turning projects—chosen for consistency and character you can trust.
In the early 19th century, Cherry became the wood of choice for American colonial furniture and Shaker craftsmanship. Its even grain and glowing colour defined an entire era of design, earning it the nickname “The Cabinetmaker’s Darling.” Today, Cherry remains one of the most enduring symbols of American woodworking heritage.
Q: Does Cherry darken over time?
Yes. Exposure to light deepens its colour, creating a rich reddish-brown patina prized by woodworkers.
Q: Is Cherry good for beginners?
Absolutely—it’s easy to machine, stable, and very forgiving during finishing.
Q: How can I avoid blotchy staining on Cherry?
Use a pre-stain conditioner or gel stain to ensure even absorption.
Q: Can I use Cherry outdoors?
Not recommended. It’s best for indoor furniture and millwork applications.
Q: Is Cherry sustainable?
Yes—Black Cherry is abundant and responsibly harvested throughout North America.
Cherry Wood Lumber is more than just a building material—it’s a story of heritage, patience, and natural beauty. Its rich tone, silky grain, and graceful aging make it the perfect choice for furniture and décor that lasts generations.
At The Knotty Lumber Co., we’re proud to offer premium Cherry boards, turning blanks, and craft packs, hand-selected for consistency and colour. Whether your project calls for modern minimalism or timeless tradition, Cherry brings warmth and elegance that only nature can provide.
👉 Shop Cherry Lumber Now — View current stock ›
📖 Want to learn more? View More Wood Types Here
💡 Subscribe to our newsletter for species spotlights, woodworking tips, and exclusive discounts.
