Real cherry wood. Often imitated, never duplicated
Your guide to solid cherry wood furniture
Whether you are looking for an elegant pedestal dining table, rustic trestle dining table with bench, farmhouse dining table or a bedroom oasis, solid cherry wood is the perfect choice for you.
Description of cherry wood
Cherry wood is known for its beautiful satiny smooth texture, delicate grain pattern, moderate natural luster and most notably, the rich reddish-brown patina that it will develop as it is exposed to both time and sunlight. The cherry wood patina is often imitated with stains and other finishes on cheaper pieces of wood. With a typically uniform and straight grain, it is marked by an occasional curly grain adding a unique and subtle texture to your furniture. Although the heartwood is a light pinkish brown when freshly cut, it will darken to a medium reddish brown and rich red when exposed to time and sunlight. Contrasting with that is the creamy white of the cherry sapwood. Even cooler finishes like our Tavern and Earthtone will be warmed some by the intrinsic natural warmth of the cherry wood. All real wood furniture will change color slightly with age. Some will darken, some will lighten and just about every species will warm. Cherry wood is often the most dramatic and beautiful transformations as it develops its signature patina.
Rustic cherry wood
Rustic cherry is the same species of wood as cherry, so it will have the same grain, color and natural characteristics. That is why we only offer a cherry wood stain sample. So what makes rustic cherry different? Rustic cherry simply has a more natural look.The natural wood characteristics of cherry such as knots and pits are included in the finished product while still ensuring that these details do not compromise the structural integrity of the piece. These can include gum pockets, mineral, sapwood, heartwood and knots. These natural characteristics often make rustic cherry the perfect wood choice for a natural or rustic look. On most dining table tops and dining chair seats these detail will be filled with a black epoxy unless otherwise noted. This eliminates any pits and knots that could collect crumbs while offering a natural looking detail and smooth surface. They can be left open upon request.
Open knots
Filled knots
History of cherry wood
Found throughout the entire eastern United States, the cherry tree is mostly grown in the Northern and Great Lake states. You can find cherry trees with an average height of between 60 to 70 feet. Like all fruit trees, the cherry tree is a member of the rose family and has been used throughout America's history for more than just beautiful solid wood furniture, fresh eating and baking. In addition to those same uses, American Colonists would mix cherry juice with rum to craft a Cherry Bounce, a highly favored, but bitter cordial. They would also use the bark to produce drugs to treat bronchitis and use the cherry stalk to make tonics.
Cherry Stain Colors
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Janka Hardness Scale
The Janka Hardness Scale measures the relative hardness of a wood species. The higher the number, the harder the wood species. This test measures the force required to push a .444” steel ball halfway into the wood. The Janka hardness scale is one of the best measures of a wood species ability to naturally resist denting and wear. In addition, all of Home and Timber’s solid wood furniture is finished with a Catalyzed Varnish adding an additional layer of protection.
Janka Rating |
Wood Species |
| 660 | Douglas Fir |
| 860 | American Red Elm |
| 950 | American Cherry |
| 1010 | Black Walnut |
| 1360 | Quarter Sawn White Oak |
| 1450 | Sugar Maple |
| 1820 | Hickory |
Cherry wood furniture examples
Rustic cherry wood furniture examples
