Formal and Elegant
Wood Guide:
Cherry Wood
Grain: Smooth and Subtle
Durability: Medium wear resistance
Color: Reddish-brown
(darkens over time)
Best For: Formal, Traditional
What is Cherry Wood
Cherry wood furniture is prized for its smooth grain, rich reddish tones, and the way it naturally deepens in color over time. As one of the most popular hardwoods for heirloom-quality pieces, cherry offers a refined, timeless look that works beautifully in both traditional and transitional spaces. In this guide, explore how cherry wood looks, how it ages, its durability for everyday use, and the best furniture styles and stain options available.
Cherry Can Darken Over Time
Over time, cherry wood develops a deeper, richer color—shifting from a light pinkish hue to a warm reddish-brown as it reacts to oxidation and UV exposure. Sunlight can speed up this natural aging process, enhancing its depth and character.
Durability and Everyday Use
Resistant to wear when cared for properly
Ages gracefully and beautifully over time
Softer than Oak - shows dents more easily
Great for Formal dining or Office furniture
Cherry Grain Pattern
Cherry wood has a fine satin-smooth texture and a circular grain pattern. The wood may also naturally contain brown pith flecks and small pit pockets. When stained, this fine grain has a very even-toned finish.
BEST FURNITURE IN CHERRY WOOD
DESIGN STYLES THAT FIT
- TRADITIONAL
- FORMAL
- ELEGANT
- UPSCALE
POPULAR STAINS ON CHERRY
How Cherry Compares?
Want smoother grain? → Cherry or Maple
Want more texture? → Quarter or Plain Sawn Oak
Want a darker, luxurious look? → Walnut
More rustic character? → Rustic Cherry
Cherry Wood FAQ's
What's the difference between Cherry and Rustic Cherry?
Rustic Cherry is a less refined version of traditional Cherry wood featuring natural knots and pits throughout.
In traditional Cherry wood, builders work to use select wood, but even small pits may still appear as they are natural part of the wood.
Is Cherry Wood Good for Dining Tables?
Yes! It is a beautiful choice for dining tables. Cherry has a rich, elegant grain and will warm to a beautiful color over time. It is a softer wood than Oak or Hickory, so extra care is needed to ensure it retains its original beauty. We recommend using coasters, placemats, and tablecloths to protect the surface.
What does Cherry rate on the the Janka Hardness scale?
The Janka Hardness Scale measures how hard a wood species is and how well it resists dents and wear. It’s based on the force required to press a small steel ball into the surface of the wood.
The higher the number, the harder and more dent-resistant the wood is.
- Cherry has a rating of 950 on the Janka Hardness scale*.
STILL DECIDING?
See Cherry Wood in your home with our complimentary stain samples!
Even More About Cherry Wood
Cherry wood is a premium hardwood known for its fine, straight grain and warm, reddish-brown color that deepens beautifully with age. Unlike many other woods, cherry naturally darkens over time, creating a richer and more uniform appearance that enhances its character. This makes it a top choice for customers looking for elegant, heirloom-quality furniture.
In terms of durability, cherry is moderately hard, making it well-suited for dining tables, chairs, and bedroom furniture used every day. While slightly softer than oak or hard maple, cherry develops a natural patina over time that many homeowners value for its lived-in, authentic look.
Cherry wood furniture pairs especially well with traditional, formal, and transitional design styles. It is commonly used for dining tables, buffets, desks, and bedroom sets, where its smooth grain and consistent texture create a clean and refined appearance. Cherry also takes stain exceptionally well, allowing for a range of finishes from light natural tones to deep, rich browns.
If you're comparing wood types, cherry is an excellent option for those who prefer a smoother grain than oak, a warmer tone than maple, and a more classic look than highly rustic woods like hickory. Its balance of beauty, workability, and aging characteristics makes it one of the most sought-after choices for solid wood furniture.