When selecting wood for furniture, flooring, or cabinetry, understanding the differences between species helps you match material properties to project requirements. Cedar and cherry wood are both reddish-toned American woods with distinct characteristics that suit different applications. Cherry wood, with its satin texture and deep red color that darkens naturally over time, has been a traditional choice for classic furniture and cabinets. Cedar is valued for its sweet fragrance, natural insect repellence, and weather resistance. Woodworkers prize both species for their color, grain patterns, and ability to resist humidity, but each performs differently depending on the use case. For builders exploring options, understanding the full range of available types of cherry wood for flooring cabinets and furniture construction provides a useful foundation before making material selections.
Physical Properties and Hardness Ratings
Cherry wood grows primarily in the eastern half of the United States, with the most sustainable forests concentrated in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. The wood starts as a soft pinkish color when freshly cut and gradually darkens to a deeper reddish-brown as it ages and is exposed to light. This natural darkening process is one of the most sought-after characteristics of cherry wood, giving furniture and flooring a patina that improves with time.
Understanding the Janka Hardness Scale
The Janka hardness test measures a wood’s resistance to denting and wear by recording the force needed to embed a steel ball halfway into the wood surface. Cherry wood scores 950 on the Janka scale, placing it softer than oak but harder than chestnut or mahogany. This moderate hardness makes cherry wood suitable for furniture that will not face heavy abuse, though it requires care in high-traffic flooring applications.
Cherry Wood Density and Workability
Cherry wood has a moderate density that makes it relatively easy to work with both hand tools and power tools. It cuts cleanly, turns well on a lathe, and takes stain and finish evenly. The wood has a fine, uniform texture with a deep, wide grain that may include small burls and knots. Higher grades of cherry wood without visible knots command premium prices and are reserved for high-end furniture pieces. Cherry wood machines well but can burn when using dull router bits or saw blades, so sharp tooling is essential. Cedar, specifically Eastern and Western Red Cedar, registers significantly softer on the Janka scale. Western Red Cedar scores approximately 350, making it one of the softer commercial woods available. This softness makes cedar easy to cut and shape but prone to dents and scratches under load. If you are working with older cedar that has darkened over time, techniques for how to restore and lighten darkened cedar paneling bleaching techniques for interior wood can help return the material to its original appearance.
| Property | Cherry Wood | Eastern Red Cedar | Western Red Cedar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janka Hardness | 950 | ~350-400 | ~350 |
| Density (lbs/cu ft dried) | 34-36 | 33 | 23-24 |
| Color Range | Pinkish to deep reddish-brown | Reddish-brown with purple tones | Pale reddish-brown |
| Grain Texture | Fine, uniform | Medium, often knotty | Straight, even |
| Insect Resistance | Moderate | High | High |
| Moisture Resistance | Good when sealed | Excellent natural | Excellent natural |
| Typical Cost Grade | $$$ (higher for clear grades) | $$ | $$$ (clear heart) |
Furniture Applications and Grain Patterns
For indoor furniture, cherry wood is generally the superior choice. Its smooth texture, warm coloring, and ability to take a high polish make it ideal for dining tables, chairs, bed frames, and display cabinets. The wood’s moderate weight gives furniture a solid feel without being overly heavy to move. Cherry furniture fits traditional, craftsman, and contemporary design styles equally well.
Cedar serves a more specialized role in furniture making. Its softness limits its use for structural furniture pieces, but cedar excels in applications where its aromatic properties add value. Cedar-lined chests and wardrobes protect clothing and linens from moths and insects. The wood’s pleasant fragrance also makes it popular for closet shelving, hope chests, and small decorative boxes. For those who appreciate wood grain in smaller items, a field notes pocket notepad with cherry wood cover shows how cherry wood grain works at a smaller scale for everyday carry items.
Grain Pattern Differences Between Species
Cherry wood grain is typically straight and fine, though it can include curly or figured patterns that increase its value. The wood has subtle grain lines that do not overpower a room’s design, making it a versatile choice for both statement furniture and background cabinetry. Cedar grain varies by species: Eastern Red Cedar often contains more knots and character marks, while Western Red Cedar offers straighter, more uniform grain patterns. Cedar boards with minimal knots cost more and are used for visible outdoor furniture where appearance matters.
Flooring Performance Under Daily Traffic
When choosing wood flooring material, the Janka hardness rating directly correlates with durability under foot traffic. Cherry wood at 950 Janka provides adequate hardness for residential flooring in bedrooms, studies, and low-traffic living areas. It performs best in rooms where high heels and heavy furniture are not constant concerns. Cherry flooring requires area rugs in high-traffic zones and careful attention to protective finishes to prevent premature wear. For a broader look at engineered and solid options, reading about wood flooring a comprehensive guide to solid hardwood engineered wood parquet and bamboo flooring materials and installation helps contextualize cherry wood within the full wood flooring category.
- Solid cherry flooring runs 3/4 inch thick and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan, potentially lasting 80 to 100 years with proper care.
- Engineered cherry flooring uses a cherry veneer over plywood or HDF core, offering better stability in basements and rooms with moisture fluctuations.
- Cedar flooring is uncommon due to its softness, but aromatic cedar flooring finds niche use in closets and sunrooms where fragrance and insect repellence are valued over durability.
Scratch and Dent Resistance
Cherry wood’s moderate Janka rating means it will show dents from dropped objects and scratches from pet claws more readily than oak or hickory. Homeowners with young children or large dogs often choose harder species for main living areas and reserve cherry for formal dining rooms or bedrooms. Cedar flooring dents easily under normal household use and is rarely recommended for full-room flooring installations. Cedar’s softness makes it more appropriate for accent walls, ceiling planks, or closet floors where foot traffic is minimal.
Outdoor Applications and Weather Resistance
Cedar dominates outdoor wood applications due to its natural resistance to moisture, rot, and insect damage. Western Red Cedar contains natural extractives that act as preservatives, giving it a Class 1 durability rating for ground contact. Cedar decking, fencing, and siding can last 20 to 30 years or more without chemical treatment. The wood’s low density also makes it a good insulator, contributing to energy efficiency when used as exterior siding.
Cherry wood performs poorly in outdoor settings unless carefully sealed and maintained. Its moderate rot resistance makes it unsuitable for uncovered decks, exterior furniture, or siding without heavy protective coatings. Even sealed cherry outdoor furniture requires refinishing every one to two years to prevent water damage and UV fading. For homeowners considering alternative outdoor surface materials, understanding how to properly tile over a wood deck a complete guide to outdoor ceramic tile installation on wood framing provides a pathway to upgrading existing cedar deck surfaces.
Color Changes in Outdoor Exposure
Both woods change color when exposed to sunlight and weather. Cedar’s lovely reddish-pink color with soft purple tones gradually fades to a silverish-gray over time. This silver patina is a natural protective layer and can be maintained without staining. Cherry wood darkens from pink to deep red-brown in indoor conditions, but outdoor exposure causes it to gray unevenly and develop a weathered look that most homeowners find less attractive than cedar’s uniform silvering.
Cabinet Construction and Interior Finishes
Cherry wood is one of the premier choices for kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Its fine grain takes stain evenly, producing rich, consistent colors that complement both traditional and modern kitchen designs. Cherry cabinets can be finished with clear coats to let the natural darkening process occur, or stained to achieve specific color matches. The wood’s moderate hardness provides adequate resistance to daily cabinet door impacts and drawer pulls.
Cedar cabinets are less common in kitchens and bathrooms but appear frequently in less conventional spaces. Cedar’s aroma makes it a natural choice for pantry cabinets, linen closets, and mudroom storage where the fragrance deters pests. Cedar cabinet interiors are often left unfinished to preserve the scent, while exteriors receive protective coatings for durability. Restoring older cedar cabinets follows similar principles to other wood restoration tasks. When working on window frames or trim that match existing cedar or cherry cabinetry, proper complete guide wood window repair restoring historic wood windows techniques help maintain consistency across interior wood elements.
| Application | Cherry Wood Rating | Cedar Wood Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Cabinets | Excellent | Fair (limited to specialty use) |
| Bathroom Vanities | Good (needs sealed finish) | Fair (moisture sensitive long-term) |
| Closet Shelving | Good | Excellent (aromatic benefits) |
| Display Shelves | Excellent | Poor (too soft, dents easily) |
| Pantry Storage | Good | Excellent (natural pest repellent) |
| Interior Trim | Excellent | Good (rustic applications) |
Maintenance and Long-Term Preservation
Cherry wood and cedar require different maintenance approaches to preserve their appearance and structural integrity over time. Cherry wood finishes should be checked annually for wear, especially on horizontal surfaces like tabletops and window sills. A fresh coat of polyurethane or varnish every three to five years protects the surface and maintains the wood’s deepening color. Cherry wood should be cleaned with a damp cloth followed by immediate drying, as standing water can leave white rings in the finish.
Cedar requires minimal maintenance when used outdoors, as its natural weathering process produces a stable silver-gray surface that needs no sealing. Indoor cedar surfaces should be dusted regularly and wiped with a dry cloth. The aromatic properties of cedar diminish over time as the volatile oils evaporate, typically lasting three to five years in enclosed spaces. Sanding interior cedar surfaces lightly refreshes the scent by exposing fresh wood. For exterior cedar siding or shingles that have weathered significantly, following best practices for restoring wood shingle siding a complete guide to bringing exterior wood surfaces back to life extends the service life of cedar cladding.
- Cherry wood care: Keep away from direct sunlight to slow the darkening process if you prefer lighter tones. Use coasters and placemats. Reapply finish every 3-5 years on horizontal surfaces.
- Cedar care: Outdoor cedar needs no finish to survive, but applying UV-blocking oil extends the original color. Indoor cedar can be lightly sanded to refresh fragrance. Keep cedar away from soil contact to prevent moisture wicking.
- Both woods: Maintain indoor humidity between 35 and 55 percent to minimize seasonal expansion and contraction. Use felt pads under furniture legs. Clean spills immediately.
Pricing varies significantly by grade for both woods. Clear cherry wood with minimal knots and uniform color commands premium prices, often running $6 to $12 per board foot depending on region and thickness. Select-grade cherry with some character marks runs $4 to $8 per board foot. Cedar pricing ranges from $3 to $7 per board foot for construction-grade material up to $10 or more for clear heartwood grades. The cost difference narrows when comparing premium grades of each species, making project budget a secondary concern to matching wood properties to the intended application.
Both cedar and cherry wood offer distinct advantages that no single wood species can replace. Cherry provides warmth, elegance, and durability for indoor furniture, flooring, and cabinets. Cedar brings natural pest resistance, weather tolerance, and aromatic character to outdoor structures and storage applications. Matching the wood to the environment and use case ensures that the material performs as intended for decades.