Hardwood reference

Cherry Wood

Use this Cherry wood profile to compare density, weight, Janka hardness, price tier, applications, limitations, outdoor fit, and finish behavior before building a cut list.

Density34-38 lb/ft³About 577 kg/m³
WeightMediumPlan lifting, shipping, and joinery
Hardness950 JankaMedium surface feel
PriceMedium to highLocal supply changes quickly

Cherry properties and best uses

Cherry is a hardwood that is commonly evaluated for furniture, cabinetry, casework, turning. For early project planning, use the density and Janka values as rough comparison points, then confirm the actual board grade, moisture content, and supplier data before buying.

Applications

  • furniture
  • cabinetry
  • casework
  • turning
  • trim

Cons

  • Darkens unevenly under sunlight
  • Can blotch with stain
  • Costs more than utility hardwoods

Selection and machining checks

Before committing a project to Cherry, inspect representative boards for flatness, defects, moisture, and color variation. Measure actual thickness and width after acclimation, then make a sample cut, edge treatment, joint, and finish test. Record grain direction, defect zones, tooling results, and acceptable appearance so the cut list reflects the stock actually available instead of a nominal species profile.

Outdoor and finishing notes

Outdoor fit: Use indoors; color and stability are best in controlled conditions.

Finish behavior: Clear finish is usually reliable; stain and paint should be tested on offcuts.

FAQ

Cherry wood questions.

Is Cherry good for woodworking?

Yes, Cherry can work well for furniture, cabinetry, casework when its weight, hardness, price, and finishing behavior fit the project.

How hard is Cherry?

The planning value used here is about 950 Janka lbf, which puts it in the medium range for surface dent resistance.

What should I verify before buying Cherry?

Verify moisture content, board flatness, grade, defects, actual dimensions, supplier price, sustainability notes, and whether the stock is suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Similar woods

Compare nearby hardwood options.

Planning note

Verify actual stock before building.

Wood values vary by species, board, moisture, grade, drying method, supplier, and local market. These pages are for estimating and comparison only, not structural, safety, engineering, or purchasing guarantees.