Does cherry really change color?

Yes, cherry undergoes one of the most dramatic color changes of any wood. It shifts from a light pinkish-brown to a deep, rich reddish-brown within 6-12 months of light exposure.

Which is better for a dining table?

Both are excellent. Walnut makes a bold modern statement, while cherry suits traditional or colonial-style dining rooms beautifully.

Why is walnut so expensive?

Walnut trees grow slowly, produce less usable lumber, and have high demand from furniture makers, gun stock manufacturers, and flooring producers.

Can I stain cherry to look like walnut?

Cherry can be stained dark, but its fine grain and reddish undertone will always differ from walnut's distinctive character and brown-purple tones.

Does cherry really change color?

Yes, cherry undergoes one of the most dramatic color changes of any wood. It shifts from a light pinkish-brown to a deep, rich reddish-brown within 6-12 months of light exposure.

Which is better for a dining table?

Both are excellent. Walnut makes a bold modern statement, while cherry suits traditional or colonial-style dining rooms beautifully.

Why is walnut so expensive?

Walnut trees grow slowly, produce less usable lumber, and have high demand from furniture makers, gun stock manufacturers, and flooring producers.

Can I stain cherry to look like walnut?

Cherry can be stained dark, but its fine grain and reddish undertone will always differ from walnut's distinctive character and brown-purple tones.

furniture

Walnut vs Cherry Wood: Comparing Two Premium Furniture Woods (2026)

Reviewed by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated May 28, 2026

Walnut and cherry are the two most sought-after American furniture woods, each prized for rich color and beautiful character. Walnut delivers immediate dark drama, while cherry starts lighter and develops a stunning deep patina over time. Both are staples of fine woodworking.

Walnut

Cherry

Key Takeaways

Walnut and cherry are the two most sought-after American furniture woods, each prized for rich color and beautiful character.
Walnut delivers immediate dark drama, while cherry starts lighter and develops a stunning deep patina over time.
Both are staples of fine woodworking.
Walnut is the top choice for modern and statement pieces, while cherry excels in heirloom furniture that becomes more beautiful with every passing year.
Choose walnut for an immediately striking dark look with neutral tones that complement any style.

Property	Walnut	Cherry
Hardness Janka	1010	950
Density Lbft3	38	35
Price Range	$8.00-$14.00/bf	$6.00-$10.00/bf
Durability Class	Both excellent for indoor furniture	-
Color	Rich chocolate brown with purple streaks	Pinkish-brown aging to deep reddish-brown

Walnut

Pros

Instantly rich dark color
Unique grain with swirls and character
Most premium domestic furniture wood
Neutral brown tones suit any decor

Cons

Most expensive domestic hardwood
Sapwood contrast can waste material
Lightens with UV exposure over time

Cherry

Pros

Beautiful color deepening with age
Fine, smooth grain with satiny finish
More affordable than walnut
Classic elegance in traditional designs

Cons

Slightly softer than walnut
Color change creates uneven patina under objects
Pinkish tones limit pairing options

Best Use Cases

Choose walnut for an immediately striking dark look with neutral tones that complement any style. Choose cherry for a living, evolving piece that deepens in beauty over years.

Verdict

Walnut is the top choice for modern and statement pieces, while cherry excels in heirloom furniture that becomes more beautiful with every passing year.