Cherry wood has been a favorite material in our shop for a long time because it combines warm color, reliable movement, and a workability that feels smooth from the first pass through the jointer.
The heartwood starts out a soft pinkish brown, then deepens into a richer red tone as it ages. That natural color shift is a big reason furniture makers reach for cherry whenever they want a classic look without needing heavy stains or dyes.
Cherry behaves predictably while milling, so it is often one of the first hardwoods new woodworkers feel confident using. We keep cherry boards around for everything from fine furniture to small shop projects, since they stay stable and glue cleanly.
What Cherry Wood Is
Cherry wood comes from the American black cherry tree, which grows across the eastern United States. The heartwood has a warm reddish brown shade that darkens naturally with light exposure. The sapwood is pale and sometimes used intentionally for contrast, depending on the project.
The grain is usually straight, although you may see small curls or waves in higher-grade boards. Cherry also contains occasional gum streaks, and those streaks are considered part of the wood’s character rather than a defect. Many woodworkers choose cherry because this grain pattern keeps furniture looking clean and refined.
For general wood species information, the USDA Forest Service provides reliable materials.
How Hard Cherry Wood Is
Cherry has a Janka hardness of about 950 lbf. We consider this a comfortable hardness for most woodworking tasks because it is tough enough for furniture, but soft enough that hand tools leave clean shavings with less effort. The boards rarely chip out if your blades are sharp, and they handle joinery cuts smoothly.
On the table saw or bandsaw, cherry stays stable instead of wandering. It sands quickly, and we usually avoid heavy grits because the wood can burn if you move too slowly. Once it is milled, the surface is smooth enough that minimal sanding is needed before finishing.
Is Cherry a Hardwood
Yes, cherry is a true hardwood. It comes from a deciduous broadleaf tree, not a conifer, and its density and structure make it stronger than many softwoods. Even though cherry feels softer than species like maple or hickory, it is still classified as a hardwood and performs like one in furniture making.
Workability in the Shop
We rely on a few specific traits whenever cherry hits the planer.
- It planes smoothly with light cuts.
- It responds well to sharp hand tools, especially in dovetail work.
- Router bits leave crisp edges if you avoid overly aggressive passes.
- It glues and clamps predictably because the pores evenly accept adhesive.
- Cherry accepts oil finishes beautifully, and clear coats deepen the color naturally.
One thing to watch for is surface burning. Cherry is sensitive to heat, so we carefully check blades and feed rates. The wood can also darken unevenly if you apply stain, so many woodworkers simply use oil or a clear finish to let the natural color speak for itself. If you have ever worked with Walnut Wood, you will find cherry slightly softer but similar in how it mills and finishes.
Common Uses of Cherry Wood
Cherry is used in many woodworking shops because it performs well across a wide range of projects. You will commonly see it used for:
- Furniture frames
- Cabinets
- Dining tables
- Desks
- Built-ins and trim
- Turned bowls
- Small decorative boxes
- Musical instruments
Its straight grain and warm tone make it a natural match for traditional and modern designs. When we need a project that feels refined but is still easy to work with, Cherry is usually the first choice.
Is Cherry Good for Furniture
Cherry is considered one of the best furniture woods in North America. It has the right combination of strength, stability, and color. The boards stay straight once dried properly, and they machine cleanly enough that joinery fits tightly without constant rework.
People often ask why cherry furniture ages so gracefully. The reason is the natural darkening process. Cherry reacts to light, and the wood gradually shifts into a deeper, richer red that looks better as the years go by. That aging curve is one of the reasons cherry is used in heirloom furniture pieces.
If someone likes the look and stability of Black Walnut Lumber, cherry often becomes the next wood they explore because the two species share similar workability, even though the colors differ.
Finishing Cherry Wood
Cherry does not need much to look good. Oils bring out a warm glow, shellac adds clarity, and clear varnish or lacquer deepens the tone with each coat. We avoid heavy staining because it can produce blotchy patches, although pre-stain conditioners help if you really want a darker shade.
Sanding too much can create heat, so we usually move through grits quickly and avoid excessive pressure. Once finished, cherry holds a soft, smooth texture that looks natural under shop lighting and daylight.
Final Thoughts
Cherry wood is dependable, attractive, and easy to work with. Whether you are building cabinets, furniture, or smaller pieces, it rewards clean technique and does not fight you during milling. Its natural darkening over time makes it a popular material for anyone who wants pieces that grow more beautiful each year. For woodworkers at any skill level, cherry remains a reliable and rewarding hardwood choice.
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