Heartwood vs. Sapwood Grain

It is not uncommon to find different grain contrasts in the same piece of solid cherry wood furniture. The lighter grain was closer to the trees bark (sapwood) and the darker grain was closer to the trees center (heartwood).

When choosing boards for your furniture, our craftsmen typically focus on the darker heartwood, although occasionally there will be some sapwood. Our craftsmen will take the time to select and join boards that have the best available color and grain match.

What are the Common Uses of Cherry Wood?

Cherry is perhaps the most prized furniture hardwood in America. Most of the highest grade cherry is used for this purpose. However, mid- and lower-tier cherry wood is often found in kitchen cabinets and wood flooring. Its also common in kitchen accessories like bowls, wood spoons, and cutting boards.

Is Cherry a Hardwood or Softwood?

Because cherry wood is milled from the deciduous prunus serotina, it is indeed considered a hardwood. All of the woods our craftspeople work with at Vermont Woods Studios are classified as hardwoods.

In contrast, wood milled from coniferous trees are considered softwood. Contrary to popular belief, the classification of a wood as a hardwood or softwood has nothing to do with the woods density or resistance to scratches and dents.

Where Does Cherry Wood Come From?

Cherry wood is harvested from the American Black Cherry Tree (prunus serotina). After about ten years of age, the prunus serotina begins producing a small, tart fruit, which is often used in jelly, jams, and more. The fruit produced by the American black cherry tree should not be mistaken for the sweet, juicy cherries you find in your local supermarket. These dime-sized berries grow in clusters on the branches of mature cherry trees and are quickly gobbled up by birds and other animals once ripe.

Where Do American Black Cherry Trees Grow?

Although prunus serotina grows all along the east coast, mid-west, and parts of Mexico, the strongest and healthiest trees are usually found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. Its from sustainably managed forests in these areas that our craftsmen source their lumber.

How Big Are American Black Cherry Trees?

The American Black Cherry Tree varies in height and diameter based on growing conditions. In the most ideal growing conditions, prunus serotina can grow up to 100 feet tall and 4 feet in diameter. However, most mature cherry trees stand 50-80 ft tall and 2-4 ft in diameter. They may reach full height in as little at 15-20 years and can continue growing for upwards of 250 years.

Can Cherry Furniture Go Outside?

Wood furniture of any kind will deteriorate with the outdoor elements over time, regardless of the wood finish used as a coating. We dont recommend putting your cherry furniture outside. Alternatively, check out our recycled plastic outdoor furniture, which we guarantee for life (and then some).

How Can I Tell if the Furniture I Have is Real Cherry?

Distinguishing wood species based on their appearance is tricky, especially if there has been a stained wood finish applied to the furniture. Many woods share similar grain patterns, and the color of wood changes over time. The best way to figure out what type of wood your furniture is made from is to contact the craftsman who made it and ask.

Is Cherry Wood Eco-friendly? Are American Black Cherry Trees Endangered?

Cherry is the 4th most harvested lumber in the US behind Oak, Poplar, and Ash. The American Black Cherry Tree grows abundantly in much of the eastern US, with the most prized cherry wood coming from the Allegheny Plateau. The relative proximity of these cherry forests translates to a smaller carbon footprint due to shorter transportation routes from forest to mill to craftsman. Using American black cherry lumber also acts as an alternative to imported rainforest woods, which helps to preserve some of the most biodiverse wildlife habitats on the planet.