Cherry

Scientific Name: Prunus Serotina

Other Common Names: Wild Black Cherry, Mountain Black Cherry and Rum Cherry

Cherry, a premium hardwood from the Eastern U.S., is valued for its satiny texture and elegant aging, which enhance its natural luster over time. It’s known for its even grain that darkens with exposure, highlighting the wood’s inherent warmth and richness.

The heartwood ranges from deep reds to lighter salmon shades with a distinct grain, giving each piece its unique character. Cherry is favored for its workability, precision in carving, and exceptional finish, making it a symbol of luxury in cabinetry, furniture, and millwork. Its decay resistance and subtle fragrance further underscore Cherry as a versatile and sophisticated choice.

Machining
Sanding
Finishing
Gluing
Fastening

Screwing/Nailing

Quick Fact:

Cherry’s rich hue and fine grain are often imitated by less expensive woods through staining and grain simulation techniques, but authentic Cherry remains unmatched.

What’s Cherry Used For?
  • Cabinetry
  • Furniture
  • Paneling
  • Interior Trim
  • Crafts
  • Toys
Why Cherry?
  • Ages elegantly
  • Fine grain pattern
  • Decay resistant
  • Pleasant aroma
  • Lustrous texture
  • Versatile applications

NWH Glacial is available as PEFC certified, FSC Mix Credit, FSC Controlled Wood or PEFC Controlled Sources.

How Does Cherry Compare To Other North American Hardwood Species?

Lumber
(12 % moisture content)
MachiningSandingFinishingGluingFastening/
Nailing/
Screwing
Weight
per bdft
Specific
Gravity
(Density)
Hardness
(Janka)
Bending
Strength
(MOR)
Bending
Stiffness
(MOE)
Dimensional
Movement
(Shrinkage)
R (%)
Dimensional
Movement
(Shrinkage)
T (%)
Alder101010972.45.415909,8001,3804.47.3
Ash9109863.56.611,32015,0001,7404.97.8
Basswood10109882.50.374108,7001,4606.69.3
Beech8810883.69.641,26014,9001,7205.511.9
Cherry10910973.07.5295012,3001,4903.77.1
Hickory377334.14.671,82013,7001,7304.98.9
Hard Maple9810943.73.641,45015,8001,8304.89.9
PC Maple9910952.74.5085010,7001,4503.77.1
Soft Maple8910953.19.5595013,4001,6404.08.2
Red Oak (Northern)10109973.64.631,22014,3801,7614.08.6
Oregon White Oak999884.34.721,64010,2001,0904.29.0
White Oak (Eastern)9109773.94.681,35014,3801,7624.48.8
Poplar9810962.81.4354010,1001,5804.68.2
Walnut989773.36.561,01014,6001,6805.57.8
Yellow Birch10810823.53.621,26016,6002,0107.39.5

Grades Available

NWH’s proprietary grades are designed to maximize yield and deliver consistent performance by controlling key structural and dimensional characteristics to optimize cutting structure and maximize your profits.
6 Grades Available
Cherry FAS Select & Better Red is our highest grade yielding at a minimum 83-1/3% clear face cut...
Applications
  • Cabinet and Entry Doors
  • Furniture
  • Millwork
Cherry FAS Select & Better Sappy is a high yielding grade designed for red one face applications...
Applications
  • Cabinet and Entry Doors
  • Casegoods
  • Millwork
Cherry CAB Red grade is designed specifically for the cabinet door industry. Each CAB Red board has ...
Applications
  • Cabinets
  • Furniture
  • Millwork
Cherry CAB Sappy grade is designed for red one face applications and yields are 66-2/3% clear face c...
Applications
  • Cabinets
  • Furniture
  • Millwork
Rustic Cherry is designed for rustic and distressed furniture and cabinetry applications. 75% of the...
Applications
  • Cabinets
  • Casegoods
  • Millwork
Cherry #2A Red is designed to yield shorter cuttings with the best face yielding a minimum of 50% cl...
Applications
  • Panels
  • Drawer Fronts
  • Small Specialty Items
  • Rustic/Knotty Applications