Cherry Wood Guide 2026
Prunus serotina
Premium aging hardwood that darkens beautifully over time
Catalog Price Reference
Unverified catalog note: Wide range by grade. Currently softer demand.
Unverified catalog reference, not a current offer. Supplier price source, quotation date and exact grade/milling basis are not recorded in these pricing fields. A page update is not price verification; freight and tax remain unknown until quoted. Enter a dated quote and build a specification.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 35 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States
- Catalog price ranges are unverified references, not available offers
- 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: Supplier confirmation required; this reference is not live inventory.
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
- Compare dated quotes on the same grade, dimensions and milling basis
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Cherry is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
Compare This Wood
Maple 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 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 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 comparisonWalnut vs Cherry
Both are premium natural-finish cabinet woods. Walnut is currently more trendy and dramatic. Cherry is more timeless and affordable. Choose based on the specific dark vs warm aesthetic and your kitchen's overall design direction.
View comparison