Hardwood 101 – Cherry Lumber

cherry lumber
Cherry is an important hardwood steeped in American history.

Cherry lumber is one of the most valued cabinet and furniture woods in North America. It is an excellent turning and carving wood, and is a great option for hardwood flooring. Woodworkers also use cherry for high-class joinery, boat interiors, tobacco pipes, paneling, veneers, interior trim, tool handles, crafts, toys, musical instruments, and scientific instruments.

Cherry lumber has been used for centuries. One pretty amazing relic that we came across goes back to the days of Western expansion here in the United States. Western frontiersman, Buffalo Bill, opened the luxurious Irma Hotel in 1902.

One of the most striking features of this hotel was a stunning hand carved Cherry wood bar, complete with a carved buffalo head at the top. When you see the detail of this bar, you have to admire the great skill and patience it took to craft such an exquisite piece. Clearly, the wood worker who created this piece did the cherry lumber justice.

With a Janka hardness of 950, cherry lumber isn’t the strongest wood, but it’s still firm, with a smooth, uniform texture. Craftsmen enjoy working with cherry with an assortment of tools. Cherry also polishes to a beautiful finish. Cherry lumber also nails, screws, and glues very well.

To learn more about Cherry wood, go to our website. There you can find our online store, where you can find more information about Cherry lumber and Curly Cherry lumber.

Leave a Comment