Black Cherry lumber comes from one of the most prized hardwood species. Hailing from North America, Cherry wood has its roots in all aspects of life. From fine furniture to musical instruments, this material is well-loved and sought after by artisans and hobbyists alike. Cherry hardwood has earned recognition thanks to its workability, beautiful grain, and magnificent color, so it’s no secret why it’s a staple for several Gutchess customers.

Let’s take a deep dive into Cherry lumber, covering its uses, history, and why it’s such a popular choice for projects big and small.

What are the different uses of Cherry wood?

You don’t need to be a lumber expert to know Cherry wood’s beauty. This warm-toned, rich hardwood strikes the perfect balance between strength and flexibility, so it has a variety of uses:

• Hardwood flooring: absorbs shock and is scratch-resistant

• Musical instruments: is pliable enough to bend without splintering and creates resonant sound in acoustic instruments

• Boat interiors: takes well to weather-proofing and creates beautiful decks

• Carving: isn’t too dense to hand carve for artistic projects

• Furniture and cabinets: offers rich color and superior durability

Over the past few years, bright colors have inspired interior design trends like “dopamine decor,” that feature maximalist furniture and bright colors. With this trend, Cherry wood is poised to surge in popularity as a way to brighten up a space with warm-toned flooring or furniture.

Types of Cherry Wood

It’s important to distinguish between the Cherry wood types because they all come from different regions, from different trees, and have different characteristics. However, true Cherry wood types all fall under the “Prunus” genus. These include:

Name	Also Known As	Region	Characteristics	Fun Fact
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)	American Cherry Rum Cherry Wild Cherry	Eastern North America	Heartwood is a light pinkish-brown color Darkens with light exposure Sapwood is a pale, yellow color	When settlers first came to the United States, colonial furniture builders called this “New England Mahogany” due to its tendency to change color after sunlight exposure.</td
Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium)	European Cherry wood	Europe and Asia	Heartwood is a light pinkish-brown color Darkens with light exposure Sapwood is a pale, yellow color	The Sweet Cherry is smaller than the Black Cherry tree with heights that reach between 32 and 65 feet tall.
Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata)	Oriental Cherry Hill Cherry East Asian Cherry Japanese Cherry	China, Korea, and Japan	Sapwood is pale pinkish brown to creamy Heartwood is brown with gold and green hues	This plant is what people often mean when they refer to Cherry trees.
Paperback Cherry (Prunus serrula)	Birchback Cherry Tibetan Cherry	Western China	Bark peels in layers Heartwood has a smooth, mahogany color	This tree grows from 20 feet to 30 feet tall, so it’s one of the smaller Cherry trees.
Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus)	Pie Cherry Tart Cherry	Europe and Southwest Asia	Typically smaller than other Cherry trees, due to how they’re grown and not valued for lumber.	These trees are grown primarily for their fruit.

Many other tree types fall outside the Prunus genus but are still commonly called Cherry wood. These types aren’t the same species as the true Cherry types we just covered, but they’re categorized as Cherry thanks to their similar properties. They include:

• Brazilian Cherry (Hymenaea courbaril): Otherwise known as Jatoba, this tree earns its name from its resemblance to Black Cherry. The Brazilian Cherry is found in the West Indies, northern South America, and Central America. These trees can grow between 100 feet and 130 feet tall.
• Patagonian Cherry (Guibourtia hymenaeifolia): This tree actually hails from the rose family and is sometimes called the Tiete Rosewood. It’s native to South America, growing between 130 and 165 feet tall. The Patagonian Cherry tree’s wood is dense and hard to work with but its color greatly resembles the Black Cherry tree.
• Barbados Cherry (Malpighia galbra): This tree is known by several names, including Wild Crapemyrtle, Acerola, Manzanita, and more. It can be found in southern Texas, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The Barbados Cherry got its name because it produces cherry-like fruit, but that’s where the resemblance ends.
• Chilean Cherry (Nothofagus dombeyi): This “Cherry” tree is part of the Beech tree family, though it’s nearly identical to the Black Cherry tree. The Chilean Cherry tree is also called Coigue, hailing from Chile and Argentina.

Cherry Tree Lore

Cherry wood is more than a stylish material used in woodworking and luxury interiors. It’s also part of one of the most well-known American myths that our first president, George Washington, had Cherry wood teeth.

While Washington’s Cherry tree legend has gone through different iterations over the years, the long-standing narrative is that young Washington received a hatchet and cut down a Cherry tree that he shouldn’t have.

When confronted, Washington was honest about the damage. This act solidified his reputation as a virtuous and honest leader. While the legend has been debunked and rebuked, the myth has endured for over 200 years and is an integral part of America’s cultural heritage.

This Cherry Tree myth speaks to the importance of its enduring presence in all aspects of North America — although we can all agree it can stay out of dentistry.

Cherry Wood Traits

The Black Cherry tree (Prunus serotina) is native to North America and some areas of South America. It grows from southeastern Canada, through the eastern United States. In the southern United States, it’s found further west towards Texas, with smaller populations throughout the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Guatemala.

The main commercial areas of Cherry tree growth in the United States include:

• Pennsylvania
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• New York.

The Cherry tree thrives in growing conditions with moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The Black Cherry tree is particularly resilient and can grow despite plunging temperatures. Although it’s a medium-sized tree with an average height ranging between 50 and 60 feet, the Black Cherry tree can grow up to 110 feet tall.

It’s found in abundance throughout North America due to its resilience to changing growing conditions and the wide distribution of its seed from various native birds.

Cherry Hardwood Density

The Janka Hardness Scale measures the hardness of domestic wood species, like Cherry wood. This test measures the force required to embed an 11.28mm steel ball halfway into a piece of wood and is expressed in pounds-force (lbf). A higher number rating indicates that a wood species is harder than a species with a lower rating. Although the Janka Hardness Scale is traditionally used to determine whether a wood species is suitable for flooring, it’s a good measure of a wood species’ overall durability.

On the Janka Hardness Scale, the ranking for standard Cherry hardwood is 950 lbf and different types of Cherry wood have similar ratings. Wood species don’t always share similar Janka ratings. For example, Walnut wood’s hardness ranges dramatically depending on where it was sourced.

Thanks to its medium density, Cherry wood has good flexibility and medium shock resistance. This allows it to withstand wear and dents and is why it’s such a popular choice for hardwood furniture.

Cherry Hardwood Wood Grain

Cherry wood features a fine, straight grain except for figured pieces with curly grain patterns, which make it a fine choice for woodworking. As with any wood, there can be defects from pith, mineral deposits, gum pockets, or knots. Cherry hardwood endgrain features small to medium pores with a random arrangement and distinct growth rings.

Are Cherry Trees Hardwood Trees?

Yes, Cherry trees are hardwood trees because they have the main characteristics we use to classify hardwood species.

• Seed type: Hardwoods are angiosperms, which means their seeds develop from flowers into fruit. Cherry trees flower and create fruit.
• Leaf behaviour: Hardwoods are deciduous, which means they lose and regrow their leaves each year. Cherry trees follow this cycle

They differ from softwood trees, whose seeds have none of the protection offered by fruit — they’re simply dropped to the ground to deal with the elements. Softwood tree seeds are needles and cones called gymnosperm, meaning “naked seed.” Almost all softwood trees are evergreen, which means they retain their needles year-round.

Source Quality Cherry Wood from Gutchess Lumber

Source the lumber your customers need to finish their dream projects. Whether you need a dependable lumber manufacturer for your flooring business or a source of ethical materials for local woodworkers, Gutchess Lumber Co., Inc., has the quality Cherry hardwood you need to meet the demand.

Hardwood trees play a significant role in the American landscape, forestry, environment, and the economy. These trees are used as materials for a wide variety of products, from the furniture we put into our homes and buildings to the floors we walk on. They also help minimize America’s carbon footprint when they are used to make hardwood products.

Hundreds of hardwood trees grow in different regions in the United States, each with unique characteristics and uses. Some of North America’s most common hardwood tree species are oaks, maple, hickory, birch, beech, ash, poplar, and cherry.

 

 

What Types of Trees are Hardwood Trees?

Most hardwood trees are deciduous and shed their leaves annually. Hardwoods have broad leaves from coniferous trees%20with%20true%20cones) with needles and cones. These trees grow slowly and have tighter grain and higher density, making them ideal for applications requiring strength and durability.

 

Characteristics of Hardwood Trees

 

1. Density and Hardness:

• Density: Hardwoods are heavy and strong because their fibers are closely packed.
• Hardness: Hardwood trees are measured by the Janka Hardness Test, which tests their durability and strength.

 

2. Grain Patterns:

• Hardwood trees have distinct grain patterns that range from straight to wavy. This variety contributes to the aesthetic appeal of hardwood products in furniture, flooring, and decor.

 

3. Durability and Strength:

• The high density and hardness of hardwood trees are a testament to their long-lasting performance, making them suitable for high-use products.

 

The Five Most Common Hardwood Trees in the US

North America’s forests grow hundreds of varieties of hardwood in various temperate climates, including the top five most common species: oak, ash, cherry, maple, and poplar.

 

 

1. Oak (Red and White Oak)

Red oak and white oak hardwood trees are the most common hardwood trees in the US. Red oak trees grow fast and have bigger pores, giving the hardwood an open grain and a red tone. White oak trees grow slower and have a finer grain, giving a smoother finish and texture. These trees live a long time, sometimes up to hundreds of years.

Uses: Oak wood is known for its versatility and is used as a top material to make:

• Furniture: The strength and beauty of red or white oak make it a popular choice for durable and long-lasting furniture.
• Flooring: Oak’s hardness and resistance to wear and tear make it ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Cabinetry: The distinctive grain characteristics and durability make it a top material for cabinets and kitchens.
• Barrels: Oak is also used in wine and whiskey barrels and can add flavor and texture.

 

 

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Special Characteristics:

• Red Oak: Our Red Oak at Gutchess Lumber comes from preferred areas of prime timberland within about a 100-mile radius (62 km) of our manufacturing facilities in New York and Pennsylvania. Red Oak is strong, durable, easy to work with, and consistent in color and texture.
• White Oak: Gutchess Lumber White Oak has a light brown heartwood and slightly paler sapwood. It is strong, tough, dense, tight-grained, durable, and beautiful. Our White Oak hardwood is harvested from prime timberland in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Kiln-dried White Oak is rated as one of the best hardwoods for machining and steam bending.

 

 

2. Ash

White Ash grows to 80 feet with a crown that spreads over 50 feet wide. Its lumber turns well and retains such strength that it has been the hardwood choice for many high-end, long-lasting products.

Uses:

• Furniture: Ash is used to make furniture, tool handles, guitar bodies, and lobster traps.
• Flooring: Ash’s wear-and-tear resilience, bright white sapwood, light tan heartwood, and uniform appearance make it a popular choice for flooring in households and buildings.
• Cabinetry: Ash is used for high-quality cabinetry.
• Sports Equipment: It has been the hardwood of choice for making equipment like baseball bats and longbows.

 

 

Special Characteristics:

• Smooth Grain: White Ash hardwood features a smooth, consistent grain that takes stain and finishes well.
• Light Color: The wood is typically light in color, ranging from pale yellow to light brown, which makes it versatile to fit different interior designs.

 

 

3. Cherry

Black Cherry can grow between 25 feet and 110 feet in height, but the more common height range is between 50 feet and 60 feet. Black Cherry hardwood is malleable, and the wide distribution of the seeds of its fruit by birds makes it abundant in North America.

Uses: Black Cherry wood is used and known for its elegance and versatility in high-quality applications like:

• Furniture: Its rich color and smooth grain make it a great choice for crafting high-end furniture.
• Cabinetry: Black cherry hardwood’s durability and aesthetic are popular for custom cabinetry.

 

 

Special Characteristics:

Black Cherry wood features a fine, straight grain with small to medium pores arranged randomly. Its wood growth rings are distinct, and the wood ranges in color from light pink-brown to medium reddish-brown.

 

 

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4. Maple (Soft and Hard Maple)

Hard and Soft Maple hardwood trees are known for their broad leaves and vibrant fall colors. Soft Maple grows between 30 feet to 100 feet in height in its native area of the Eastern United States and Canada. Hard Maple hardwood species grow from 50 to 80 feet and are abundant throughout the Northeastern United States and Northeastern Canada.

Uses:

• Soft Maple: Used for less formal furniture, cabinetry, and millwork due to its workability and lower cost.
• Hard Maple: Used for high-end furniture, flooring, and musical instruments because of its durability and resistance to wear and tear. It is also used for gym and basketball courts, bowling alleys, bowling pins, rolling pins, and other turnings, skateboard decks, baseball bats, billiard cues, cutting blocks, and a variety of musical instruments.

 

 

Special Characteristics:

• Soft Maple: Soft Maple has a similar appearance to Hard Maple. Its close-grained sapwood is creamy white, and its heartwood is reddish-brown. The grain of soft Maple Hardwood is often dotted with flecks. Figured grain is less common but highly prized for certain product applications. Gutchess’ Soft Maple lumber is 100% soft-leaf maple.
• Hard Maple: Hard Maple wood features a fine, even-textured grain that can be straight or wavy. Its color ranges from white to cream to reddish or golden-hued.

 

 

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5. Poplar

Poplar lumber grows between 130 feet and 160 feet tall and has a trunk diameter of 6 feet to 8 feet. It is very low-density and softer, with a Janka Hardness rating of 540 lbf.

 

Uses:

• Furniture: Poplar wood is used to make inexpensive furniture and cabinetry.
• Plywood: Its lightweight and workability make it a common choice for plywood.
• Millwork: Poplar is used for moldings, trims, and other decorative millwork because of its smooth surface.

 

 

Special Characteristics:

Poplar is a light, soft hardwood with a white or light green sapwood cast. Its wood color features a light cream-to-yellow-brown heartwood and pale yellow-to-white sapwood, along with a straight, uniform grain. It is generally free of dark mineral streaks found in southern species.

 

Gutchess Lumber Poplar lumber is harvested from prime timberland in the northern Appalachian region of Pennsylvania. Poplar hardwood machines easily and takes paints and stains well.

 

At Gutchess Lumber, we recognize the five most common hardwood trees in the United States: oak, ash, cherry, maple, and poplar. Whether you’re building furniture, flooring, decor, or any hardwood product, these hardwoods offer the strength, durability, and beauty you need to create long-lasting, timeless products.

 

We offer 11 species of northern hardwoods, where each hardwood species is native to the northeast United States. We oversee tens of thousands of acres of prime timberland and seven facilities across New York and Pennsylvania to produce Gutchess Lumber. Our products come from the best hardwood forests and timberlands in the northeast, several of which we have owned and managed for generations.