How much does cherry darken?

Cherry undergoes dramatic color change, moving from light pinkish-brown to deep reddish-brown within 6-12 months of sun exposure. This is one of the most significant color shifts of any wood species.

Walnut is slightly harder at 1010 Janka vs cherry's 950, but both are on the softer side for flooring. Neither is ideal for the highest-traffic areas.

Can I prevent the color change?

UV-inhibiting finishes slow the process but cannot stop it entirely. Rearranging rugs and furniture periodically helps ensure even aging.

Which is better for a formal dining room?

Both are excellent choices. Cherry's satiny luster suits traditional formal spaces, while walnut's depth works for both modern and traditional formal settings.

flooring

Cherry vs Walnut Flooring: Two Premium Dark-Toned Woods (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated June 1, 2026|Sources & methodology

Cherry and walnut are both premium domestic hardwoods prized for their rich, warm tones. Cherry starts light and darkens dramatically with age, while walnut starts dark and lightens over time. Understanding how these woods evolve is key to choosing the right one for your home.

Cherry

Walnut

Key Takeaways

Cherry and walnut are both premium domestic hardwoods prized for their rich, warm tones.
Cherry starts light and darkens dramatically with age, while walnut starts dark and lightens over time.
Understanding how these woods evolve is key to choosing the right one for your home.
Both are premium choices for homeowners who value character over maximum hardness.
Cherry's evolving color suits patient owners, while walnut delivers instant dark luxury.

Property	Cherry	Walnut
Hardness Janka	950	1010
Density Lbft3	35	38
Price Range	$5.00-$9.00/sqft	$6.00-$12.00/sqft
Durability Class	Both moderate — softer premium species	-
Color	Light pinkish-brown aging to deep reddish-brown	Rich chocolate brown lightening over time

Cherry

Pros

Beautiful color deepening over time
Smooth, fine grain with satiny luster
Slightly more affordable than walnut
Classic elegance for traditional homes

Cons

Softest of the premium species
Dramatic color change can create uneven patina under rugs
Pinkish tones may clash with cool-toned decor

Walnut

Pros

Richest natural dark color
Unique grain with character and swirls
More neutral brown tones — versatile styling
Premium luxury appeal

Cons

Most expensive domestic flooring wood
Also soft — susceptible to dents
Lightens with sun exposure

Best Use Cases

Choose cherry for a floor that develops richer, deeper color over the years, creating a warm, evolving patina. Choose walnut for an immediately rich dark floor with more neutral tones that suit both modern and traditional spaces.

Verdict

Both are premium choices for homeowners who value character over maximum hardness. Cherry's evolving color suits patient owners, while walnut delivers instant dark luxury.