Cherry Wood: From Forest to Flooring

Introduction

Cherry wood is one of the most versatile and elegant hardwoods used in flooring, furniture, and cabinetry. Known for its rich reddish tones, smooth grain, and natural luster, cherry wood flooring adds warmth and sophistication to any home.

In this blog, we’ll take you through every step of cherry wood’s journey—from growing in the forest to becoming a beautiful hardwood floor in your home.

1. Cherry Tree Origins and Growth

Where Do Cherry Trees Grow?

Cherry trees (Prunus serotina and Prunus avium) grow in North America, Europe, and Asia, with the most commonly used species being:

• American Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) – The most popular type for flooring, known for its rich reddish-brown color and fine grain.

• European Cherry (Prunus avium) – Slightly lighter in color with a more uniform grain.

• Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) – Not a true cherry but used for flooring due to its extreme hardness and deep red tones.

Growth Rate and Harvesting Age

Cherry trees grow moderately fast, reaching a usable size in about 30-50 years. To be ideal for flooring, they must be:
✔ 50-80 feet tall
✔ 2-3 feet in diameter

Climate Requirements

Cherry trees thrive in:
✔ Temperate climates with cold winters and warm summers.
✔ Well-drained, fertile soil with adequate moisture.
✔ Full sunlight, which helps develop the rich color of the wood.

Sustainability

Cherry is a sustainable hardwood, with many suppliers sourcing it from managed forests to ensure long-term availability.

2. Harvesting the Cherry Tree

Best Time to Cut Cherry Trees

Cherry trees are typically harvested in late fall or winter when the sap levels are lower. This helps:
✔ Reduce drying time and prevent excessive shrinkage.
✔ Maintain color consistency in the wood.

Harvesting Process

1. Tree Selection – Only mature trees are chosen to ensure high-quality lumber.

2. Felling the Tree – Loggers carefully cut the tree using chainsaws or mechanized equipment.

3. Limbing & Bucking – Branches are removed, and logs are cut into standard lengths.

4. Transport to Sawmill – Logs are loaded and sent for processing.

🔹 Fun Fact: The bark of cherry trees is sometimes used in herbal medicine and flavoring!

3. Milling: Turning Logs into Lumber

Step 1: Debarking

The logs are stripped of their bark to prepare them for cutting.

Step 2: Cutting and Sorting

Cherry logs are cut into planks using different sawing techniques:
🔹 Plain-Sawn – The most common cut, revealing natural waves and swirls in the grain.
🔹 Quarter-Sawn – Produces a straighter grain pattern with higher stability.
🔹 Live-Sawn – Captures the full grain pattern with a mix of both styles.

Planks are then sorted based on:
✔ Color variation (cherry darkens over time, from pinkish tones to deep reddish-brown).
✔ Grain uniformity (cherry has a fine, smooth grain).
✔ Presence of knots or imperfections (higher-grade planks have fewer knots).

4. Drying: Preparing the Wood for Use

Why Is Drying Important?

Freshly cut cherry wood contains high moisture levels, which must be reduced to 6-8% to prevent warping or cracking.

Drying Methods

1. Air Drying – Planks are stacked and left to dry naturally for several months.

2. Kiln Drying – Speeds up the process by using controlled heat and humidity.

💡 Fact: Cherry wood darkens naturally over time, and kiln drying helps speed up this aging process to enhance its warm tones.

5. Processing and Finishing

Step 1: Planing

Planing smooths out rough surfaces and ensures consistent thickness.

Step 2: Sanding

Cherry wood is naturally smooth, but additional sanding enhances its silky texture.

Step 3: Surface Treatments

Cherry flooring comes in different finishes:
✔ Unfinished Cherry – Allows homeowners to choose a custom stain.
✔ Pre-Finished Cherry – Comes factory-coated for extra protection.
✔ Oiled Finish – Enhances the wood’s natural beauty while allowing it to breathe.

Texture Options

🔹 Smooth Finish – Brings out the natural elegance.
🔹 Hand-Scraped – Gives a rustic, aged feel.
🔹 Wire-Brushed – Adds subtle texture.

6. Installation in Homes

Pre-Installation Requirements

Cherry wood planks must be acclimated to room temperature for 3-5 days before installation.

Installation Methods

1. Nail-Down – Best for wood subfloors.

2. Glue-Down – Ideal for concrete or radiant heating systems.

3. Floating Floor – Click-lock planks that don’t require nails or glue.

💡 Pro Tip: Cherry is softer than oak or maple, so using protective pads under furniture helps prevent dents.

7. Other Uses of Cherry Wood

Beyond flooring, cherry wood is widely used for:
✔ Fine Furniture – Cabinets, dressers, and dining tables.
✔ Musical Instruments – Pianos and guitars.
✔ Decorative Millwork – Paneling and trim.

🔹 Fun Fact: Cherry wood was a favorite of early American craftsmen and was used to make colonial-era furniture!

8. Advantages and Disadvantages of Cherry Flooring

Pros

✔ Elegant Appearance – Rich reddish-brown tones and fine grain.
✔ Ages Beautifully – Darkens over time to a deep, warm hue.
✔ Easy to Work With – Ideal for custom stains and finishes.

Cons

❌ Softer Than Other Hardwoods – More prone to dents and scratches.
❌ Color Changes Over Time – May not match original shade after years.
❌ More Expensive Than Oak – Due to slower growth and high demand.

Conclusion: Is Cherry Wood Right for Your Home?

If you’re looking for a luxurious, warm, and timeless flooring option, cherry wood is a fantastic choice. It works beautifully in traditional and modern homes alike, adding a touch of natural elegance.