Cherry

Cherry wood is prized for its rich color, smooth grain, and timeless elegance. Learn cherry’s traits, tips, and why it’s perfect for custom woodworking.

Cherry (American Black Cherry)

deepens with age. It develops a rich patina that tells a story with every use. Durable, workable, and timeless—Cherry shines in cutting boards, bar boards, and accent pieces that bring everyday elegance to the table.

What it is

American Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) grows abundantly across the eastern United States. A medium-density Hardwood, Cherry is known for its straight, fine grain and rich color that begins light pinkish-brown and deepens to reddish-brown as it ages. Historically, Cherry has been favored in fine cabinetry and heirloom furniture because of its beauty and workability.

Why I love working with it

Cherry feels like an old friend—cooperative, forgiving, and quietly elegant. It planes, sands, and finishes easily, producing a silky surface with minimal effort. What I love most is how it changes over time: a Cherry board used daily in a kitchen gathers depth, glow, and character, becoming more beautiful with each passing year.

Key traits

- Fine, straight grain with occasional curls or figure

- Medium hardness; gentle on knife edges

- Rich reddish-brown color that darkens with light and age

- Highly stable and resistant to warping

- Works well with hand or power tools; finishes to a smooth luster

Where does it come from

Sustainably harvested throughout the eastern United States, Cherry is considered a responsibly managed species. Its popularity in American woodworking makes it readily available without endangering the forests.

Care tips

- Hand-wash promptly and dry with a towel

- Avoid dishwasher or prolonged soaking

- Apply food-safe mineral oil or board butter every few weeks to keep the moisture balance

- Minimize direct sun exposure to encourage even, natural darkening

- If scratched, lightly sand with fine grit and re-oil

Featured in our shop

You’ll find Cherry in our minimalist bar boards, end-grain cutting boards, and utensil caddies, often paired with Walnut for contrast. Its warm tones bring approachable elegance to everyday use.

Why it belongs in your home

Cherry isn’t just a wood—it’s an atmosphere. A Cherry cutting board on your counter becomes more than a tool; it’s a centerpiece that reflects warmth and sophistication. Imagine it laid out for wine and cheese, the surface glowing under soft lighting as friends gather around. In a home curated with intention, Cherry resonates with timeless elegance. Its gentle darkening over the years mirrors the patina of leather chairs, heirloom silver, or the subtle warmth of aged oak flooring. It doesn’t demand attention with boldness—it draws you in with quiet richness, the kind that makes a space feel welcoming yet defined. For those who value understated luxury, Cherry offers something rare: beauty that grows with you. Every use adds depth to its story, until it becomes not only a part of your kitchen but a piece of your family’s narrative.