Cherry Wood Guide 2026
Prunus serotina
Premium aging hardwood that darkens beautifully over time
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 35 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States
- Price: ~$11.5 per board foot
- Common uses include Fine furniture, Cabinetry, Millwork
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Fine
Workability: Excellent machining; can burn on router bits.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: Blotch-prone with stain; clear finishes preferred.
Color change: Light pink darkens to deep reddish brown with light exposure.
Insect resistance: Moderate
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Cherry. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths 4–10 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths 4–10 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths 4–10 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths 4–10 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
Availability notes: Widely available Appalachian hardwood.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Light pink to reddish brown
Grain: Straight; fine texture
Common Uses
- Fine furniture
- Cabinetry
- Millwork
- Flooring
Key Characteristics
Also known as: American Cherry;Black Cherry
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 950 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Moderately Durable
- Sourced from United States
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Cherry is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
Compare This Wood
Cherry vs Walnut
Both are outstanding turning woods. Cherry is the better value and develops a gorgeous patina, making it ideal for heirloom pieces. Walnut wins when you need immediate visual impact with its rich dark tones and is especially striking in bowl work where sapwood edges are featured.
View comparisonMaple vs Cherry
Hard Maple is the better choice for a primary cutting board used daily — it is harder, more durable, and more resistant to knife marks and bacteria. Cherry excels as a decorative serving or charcuterie board where its beautiful color steals the show. Many woodworkers make both and combine them in edge-grain patterns.
View comparisonCherry vs Oak
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.
View comparisonCherry vs Maple
Maple is the more practical and versatile cabinet wood, especially for painted finishes. Cherry is the premium choice for natural-finish kitchens where its living color and elegant grain create a truly special space.
View comparisonExplore More on Lumberama
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