Cherry Wood Basics: Origin and Uses
Black cherry wood, also known as Prunus Serotina, originates from North America and is one of the most sought after wood species due to its attractive reddish-brown color. The wood is strong and durable, making it ideal for furniture, veneers, and millwork. Cherry wood has a medium texture, subtle straight-grained patterning, and a pleasant aroma that makes it an attractive choice for luxury items.
In fact, the timber is so appealing to craftspeople that it is widely used in the construction of cabinets, doors, flooring, and other architectural millwork. Additionally, because of its beautiful grain and color, it is often used to make fine furniture and guitars.
The Benefits of Cherry Wood
One of the key benefits of cherry wood is that it is relatively soft, meaning that it can be easily sanded and polished. This makes it a great choice of wood for creating intricate designs, such as inlaid or carved patterns. In addition, its color deepens and matures with age, giving it a unique character that can’t be replicated with other types of wood.
Due to its strength and luster, cherry wood is perfect for antiques such as cupboards, tables, and chairs. The wood’s natural properties make it an ideal choice for restoring older pieces and giving them a more modern look. It is also a natural insect repellent, and as such, it is less likely to require treating with chemical preservatives.
Caring for Cherry Wood
Cherry wood is fairly easy to care for and maintain. It is important to wipe it down regularly and to oil it periodically to keep it looking its best. If the wood is exposed to moisture, it needs to be dried off and treated with the appropriate oil to prevent any mold growth or discoloration.
In order to keep the color of the wood looking vibrant, it is important that it is polished regularly, kept away from direct sunlight and stored in a dry environment.
Using Cherry Wood in Home Design
Cherry wood is often used in home design to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any space. The wood can be used to make stunning feature walls, furniture, and cabinets. It is also a popular choice for making staircases, flooring, and wainscoting.
For those who are looking for a wood that will add a natural feel to their home, cherry wood is an excellent choice. The color and texture add warmth, style, and class to any room, making it a popular choice for those wanting to make a statement.
Trees and Forests
Cherry trees belong to the genus Prunus, and mostly to the subgenus Cerasus, which can be found growing wild in North America and Europe. They are deciduous trees that typically reach heights of 10 to 20 meters.
The forests in which cherry wood is grown are incredibly important for maintaining biodiversity as well as providing a source of valuable timber. Sustainability is of utmost importance, and in order to prevent over-harvesting, only mature trees should be used for timber production.
Varieties of Cherry Wood
There are many varieties of cherry wood, with red cherry, wild cherry, and black cherry being the most popular. The color of the wood can range from light pink to dark red, depending on the variety. Each type of cherry has its own unique qualities and characteristics, which makes them a desirable choice for both furniture makers and artisans alike.
Harvest of Cherry Wood
Cherry wood is harvested and processed in a variety of ways, depending on the desired use. For furniture and other architectural millwork, trees are felled and stripped of their bark before being cut into billets and kiln dried. These billets are then cut and shaped into the specific pieces needed.
For veneering and carving, the logs are peeled and sliced into thin sheets that can be adhered directly to an object. This type of veneer is often used for creating intricate patterns and designs.
Quality and Price of Cherry Wood
The quality of cherry wood is determined by its color, clarity, and straightness of grain. The price of cherry wood depends on the type of wood and the size of the order, with larger orders usually being cheaper.
In general, cherry wood is considered to be an economical choice compared to other varieties of wood such as mahogany or walnut. The wood is also widely available, meaning it is easy to source from most timber suppliers.
Cherry Wood Alternatives
There are a number of alternatives to cherry wood, including maple, walnut, and mahogany. Each of these woods has its own unique properties, meaning they can be used in different applications. For example, although walnut is more expensive than cherry wood, it is the perfect choice for carving.
For those looking for a more economical choice, bamboo is an excellent alternative. While still being an eco-friendly and sustainable material, it is also incredibly durable and can be used in a variety of applications.
