Wood species

Cherry

Prunus serotina · Rosaceae

Ranked with black walnut as a premier American cabinet hardwood, and the wood you buy for what it becomes: its reddish brown patina is the look stain tries to fake on poplar.

Janka hardness: 950 lbf
Density: 35.0 lb/ft³
Shrinkage T / R: 7.1 / 3.7 %
Origin: Eastern North America
IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Shop Cherry in stock (8)All live edge slabs

(Pre-Built) Cherry Classic Cut Tabletop #PB202 49" x 28" x 1.6" — overhead view — Oak City Customs

Pictured: (Pre-Built) Cherry Classic Cut Tabletop #PB202 49" x 28" x 1.6"

About Cherry

Cherry heartwood starts a light pinkish brown off the saw and darkens to a medium reddish brown with time and light; that patina is why people buy it. Sapwood is pale yellow and often rides the outer edge of a slab. Grain is usually straight with a fine, even texture and moderate luster, and curly figure shows on some pieces. It is one of the best all-around woods to work: stable, machines cleanly, sands well. Stain blotches, so we finish it clear with oil or hardwax and let sunlight do the coloring. Heartwood is rated very durable, but it is not an outdoor wood. It suits dining tables, side tables and desks, milled and kiln dried in Zebulon, NC.

Working & finishing

One of the best all-around woods to work: stable, straight-grained, machines and sands cleanly, glues and holds screws well. Stain blotches, so use a sanding sealer or gel stain, or do as OCC does and finish clear with oil or hardwax oil and let light do the coloring. Sapwood is common along the edges and raises the waste factor.

Care

Indoor use only; the heartwood is rated very durable against decay but cherry is not used outdoors. Keep objects off a new top for the first weeks in a bright room so it darkens evenly; the heartwood shifts from pinkish brown to medium reddish brown with light. Wipe spills promptly and expect modest seasonal movement.

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