Why Does Cherry Wood Change Colors Over Time?
What Is Cherry Wood?
Cherry wood is one of the most sought-after materials for furniture-making due to its unique characteristics. This American hardwood is known for its beautiful brown color with a hint of pink or dark red that can darken over time.
This quality is considered both desirable and attractive, and cherry wood furniture is available in a variety of styles to suit different tastes.
Light cherry furniture has a warmer and less formal look than dark cherry. It can be particularly elegant in hand-carved beds, such as sleigh beds with intricately designed head and footboards.
A cherry wood bedroom set can also include elaborately carved chests of drawers, night tables, and dressers. Traditional pieces may feature brass accents, while modern designs may have silver-toned hardware.
While traditional styles dominate much of the cherry wood furniture market, innovative and modern designs are also available. For instance, a contemporary cherry wood dresser may feature a stretched-out oval shape, departing from the traditional rectangular style.
Compact and attractive cherry computer desks and baby cribs that convert into single or double beds are also popular items, offering versatility and longevity.
Cherry wood cabinets are a great addition to kitchens and bathrooms, offering a rich and luxurious look that can elevate any space. Solid wood cabinets are long-lasting, and cherry wood is often less expensive than other hardwoods.
Bathroom vanities made from this wood that hold one or two sinks may feature attractive molding and may have a matching mirror made to hang on the wall above the vanity.
Cherry wood is also a popular material for dining and coffee tables. Solid cherry furniture is made only from cherry wood, while cherry veneers have a layer of the hardwood with different wood or wood products underneath.
Faux cherry, on the other hand, does not include any wood from the cherry tree but replicates its color and appearance.
In conclusion, cherry wood is a highly desirable material for furniture-making due to its unique color and texture. From traditional to modern designs, cherry wood furniture can suit a range of styles and preferences.
Its durability, versatility, and affordability make it a popular choice for anyone looking to add a touch of luxury to their home.
Why Does Cherry Wood Change Colors Over Time?
Cherry wood is known for its beautiful deep, warm hue which many people enjoy. However, over time, this hue can change when exposed to air and UV light.
Oxidation of the wood’s molecules causes chemical changes that alters how light reflects off the surface and eventually results in a different color.
This natural process often creates unique highlights and tones that some find even more appealing than the original color of the wood.
What Are The Common Uses Of Cherry Wood?
Cherry wood is widely sought after for its stunning color and grain, making it an ideal choice for furniture. High-grade cherry is mostly used for furniture, while mid- to lower-tier cherry can be found in cabinets, floors, kitchen accessories, such as bowls and spoons and cutting boards.
Cherry wood has great dimensional stability and holds finishes well – features that make it perfect for carving and intricate detailing.
Additionally, its naturally beautiful reddish hue means it can be polished to a high sheen without the need of staining, making it especially desirable in the construction of fine furniture pieces.
Is Cherry A Hardwood Or A Softwood?
Cherry wood is a hardwood, milled from the deciduous prunus serotina, and all woods used by Vermont Woods Studios are classified as hardwoods.
In contrast, wood milled from coniferous trees are considered softwood; however, this classification has nothing to do with the density or resistance of the wood to scratches and dents.
How Dense/Hard Is Cherry Wood?
Cherry wood is quite dense and hard, with a Janka hardness rating of 995. This indicates that it has slightly more resistance to denting and scratching than species like Walnut, Oak, Maple and Ash but less than Pine, Hemlock, Alder, Mahogany and even Cedar.
As such, it is an ideal choice for furniture or other projects that require a durable wood without the need for excessive protection from wear and tear in comparison to harder woods such as Oak or Walnut.
