Does cherry flooring really change color over time?

Yes, dramatically. Cherry darkens significantly when exposed to light, shifting from a light pinkish-brown to a deep reddish-brown within 6-12 months. Rearranging rugs and furniture can reveal lighter patches where the wood was shielded.

Is cherry flooring too soft for kitchens?

Cherry scores 950 on the Janka scale, making it softer than oak. It will show dents and scratches more quickly in high-traffic kitchen areas. Consider oak or hickory for kitchens instead.

Can I stain oak to look like cherry?

You can apply reddish-brown stains to oak, but the prominent oak grain will remain visible. The result is distinctly different from natural cherry. Each wood has its own character that stain cannot fully replicate.

flooring

Cherry vs Oak Flooring: Which Hardwood Is Right for Your Home? (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated June 2, 2026|Sources & methodology

Cherry and oak are classic American hardwoods that create beautiful floors with very different characters. Cherry offers warm reddish tones that deepen with age, while oak provides superior durability and the widest range of finish options. Both have earned their place as premium flooring choices.

Cherry

Oak

Key Takeaways

Cherry and oak are classic American hardwoods that create beautiful floors with very different characters.
Cherry offers warm reddish tones that deepen with age, while oak provides superior durability and the widest range of finish options.
Both have earned their place as premium flooring choices.
Cherry floors are stunning in the right setting but demand gentler use.
Oak is the all-around champion for durability and versatility.

Property	Cherry	Oak
Hardness (Janka)	950 lbf	1,220-1,360 lbf
Price/Sq Ft Installed	$8-$14	$6-$12
Color	Reddish-brown, darkens dramatically	Light tan to golden brown
Grain	Fine, smooth, subtle	Bold, prominent pattern
Scratch Resistance	Moderate, shows wear	Good, hides wear better

Cherry

Pros

Gorgeous warm color that deepens with age, Smooth fine grain, Formal elegant appearance

Cons

Softer and scratches easier, More expensive, Color changes with sunlight exposure

Oak

Pros

Harder and more durable, More affordable, Versatile with stains and finishes

Cons

Less refined grain than cherry, Very common and less unique, Prominent grain limits some styles

Best Use Cases

Choose cherry flooring for formal living rooms, dining rooms, and master bedrooms where its warm beauty can shine with moderate foot traffic. Choose oak for kitchens, hallways, family rooms, and high-traffic areas where durability matters most.

Verdict

Cherry floors are stunning in the right setting but demand gentler use. Oak is the all-around champion for durability and versatility. Most homes benefit from oak in high-traffic areas with cherry as an accent in formal spaces.