cherry wood lumber​ for sale

Cherry Wood Lumber for Sale: The Ultimate Guide

cherry wood lumber​ for sale, Cherry wood lumber is one of the most sought-after hardwoods in woodworking, cabinetry, furniture making, and specialty craft projects. Its rich, warm tones, fine grain, and excellent workability make it a favorite among craftsmen and hobbyists alike.

If you’re looking to buy cherry wood lumber, understanding its qualities, varieties, pricing, sourcing, and applications will help you make informed decisions. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about cherry wood lumber for sale.

Table of Contents

  1. What is Cherry Wood?

  2. Types of Cherry Wood Lumber

  3. Characteristics and Benefits of Cherry Wood

  4. Common Uses of Cherry Wood Lumber

  5. How to Identify Genuine Cherry Wood

  6. Grades and Quality of Cherry Wood Lumber

  7. Where to Buy Cherry Wood Lumber

  8. Pricing and Cost Factors

  9. How to Choose the Right Cherry Wood Lumber for Your Project

  10. Caring for and Finishing Cherry Wood

  11. Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

  12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  13. References and Resources

1. What is Cherry Wood?

Cherry wood primarily comes from the Black Cherry tree (Prunus serotina), a species native to eastern North America. It is one of the most popular hardwoods in the United States and has been extensively used in fine furniture and woodworking since colonial times.

Origin and Growth

  • Botanical name: Prunus serotina

  • Region: Native to the eastern US and parts of Canada

  • Tree size: Mature trees grow 50-90 feet tall

  • Growth rate: Moderate

Cherry trees are valued not only for their beautiful fruit but especially for their timber, which is prized for its aesthetics and workability.

2. Types of Cherry Wood Lumber

When shopping for cherry wood lumber for sale, you’ll come across various types and forms. Here’s a breakdown:

2.1. Solid Cherry Lumber

Solid cherry lumber refers to boards cut directly from the tree without any composite or engineered parts.

  • Dimensions: Available in various thicknesses and widths

  • Uses: Furniture, cabinetry, millwork, flooring

2.2. Cherry Veneer

Thin slices of cherry wood applied as a surface layer over plywood or MDF for a cost-effective alternative.

  • Use: Cabinetry, furniture, paneling

2.3. Cherry Plywood

Multiple layers of veneer glued together, with a cherry veneer face.

  • Use: Cabinets, shelves, furniture frames

2.4. Cherry Burl

A highly figured, unique pattern from abnormal tree growths (burls).

  • Use: Decorative accents, luxury furniture, inlays

3. Characteristics and Benefits of Cherry Wood

3.1. Appearance

  • Color: Light pinkish to reddish-brown when freshly cut, deepening to a rich reddish hue with age and exposure to light.

  • Grain: Fine, straight grain with occasional curly or wavy patterns.

  • Texture: Smooth and uniform texture, easy to finish.

3.2. Workability

  • Machining: Excellent workability with hand and power tools.

  • Gluing and Finishing: Cherry glues well and takes stain and finishes beautifully.

  • Durability: Moderately hard and durable but not overly dense, allowing for carving and shaping.

3.3. Stability

Cherry wood is dimensionally stable with minimal warping or shrinking, making it reliable for precision woodworking.

3.4. Aging

Cherry’s natural darkening over time is prized by woodworkers and collectors, adding warmth and character to finished products.

4. Common Uses of Cherry Wood Lumber

Cherry wood’s versatility allows it to be used in various applications:

  • Fine Furniture: Chairs, tables, desks, cabinets.

  • Cabinetry: Kitchen cabinets, built-ins.

  • Flooring: Solid and engineered wood flooring.

  • Millwork: Trim, molding, paneling.

  • Musical Instruments: Guitar parts and woodwind instruments.

  • Woodturning and Carving: Bowls, art pieces, turned legs.

  • Specialty Items: Veneers, decorative boxes, gunstocks.

5. How to Identify Genuine Cherry Wood

Cherry can be mistaken for other reddish hardwoods like maple or mahogany. Here’s how to identify it:

  • Color: Fresh cherry is light pinkish, aging to reddish-brown.

  • Grain: Smooth, fine grain; sometimes interlocked with slight waves.

  • Odor: Freshly cut cherry has a distinctive sweet, fruity smell.

  • End grain: Shows tiny pores arranged in ring-porous pattern.

  • Patina: Over time, cherry darkens under UV exposure, unique to this wood.

6. Grades and Quality of Cherry Wood Lumber

Cherry wood is graded based on the appearance, grain, defects, and size:

  • Select Grade: Few knots, clean grain, smooth surface.

  • Clear Grade: Virtually no defects or imperfections.

  • Common Grades: Includes knots, color variation, and minor defects, often used for rustic or country-style furniture.

  • Burl and Figured: Special grades featuring unique patterns.

7. Where to Buy Cherry Wood Lumber

You can find cherry wood lumber for sale from various sources:

7.1. Local Lumberyards and Woodworking Supply Stores

Ideal for hands-on inspection and immediate pickup.

7.2. Specialty Hardwood Suppliers

Offer a range of hardwoods including premium cherry lumber.

7.3. Online Retailers and Marketplaces

Convenient for ordering and delivery; be sure to check reviews.

7.4. Sawmills

Often the best place to buy fresh, untreated cherry lumber at competitive prices.

7.5. Woodworking Clubs and Forums

Occasionally source specialty wood through group buys.

8. Pricing and Cost Factors

Cherry wood is considered a premium hardwood; prices vary based on:

  • Grade: Clear grades cost more than common grades.

  • Size and thickness: Larger or thicker boards command higher prices.

  • Source: Sawmill direct vs. retail.

  • Moisture content: Kiln-dried wood is more expensive than green lumber.

  • Figuring: Burls and unique grain patterns are premium priced.

Typical retail prices (approximate):

  • 4/4 cherry lumber (1 inch thick): $6 – $12 per board foot

  • Specialty figured or burl: can exceed $20+ per board foot

9. How to Choose the Right Cherry Wood Lumber for Your Project

Consider the following:

  • Project Type: Fine furniture requires select, clear grades; rustic projects can use common grades.

  • Moisture Content: Kiln-dried is preferred to minimize warping.

  • Dimensions: Ensure board size meets project needs.

  • Budget: Balance quality and cost.

  • Finish Plans: Cherry looks great with oil, lacquer, or varnish finishes.

  • Sustainability: Look for sustainably harvested cherry.

10. Caring for and Finishing Cherry Wood

10.1. Preparing

  • Sand progressively (120 to 220 grit).

  • Remove dust thoroughly before finishing.

10.2. Finishing

  • Oil finishes (e.g., tung oil, Danish oil) enhance natural color.

  • Clear lacquers and varnishes provide protection.

  • Avoid dark stains; cherry’s natural color is prized.

10.3. Maintenance

  • Cherry darkens over time; exposure to sunlight accelerates this.

  • Use furniture polish or wax periodically to maintain finish.

  • Avoid excessive moisture and heat exposure.

11. Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

Cherry wood comes from native hardwood forests. When buying, consider:

  • Certified Wood: Look for FSC-certified cherry lumber for sustainability.

  • Local Sourcing: Reduces carbon footprint.

  • Avoid Overharvesting: Support suppliers practicing sustainable forestry.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is cherry wood good for outdoor use?
A: Cherry is not naturally weather-resistant and is best used indoors unless properly sealed and maintained.

Q2: How hard is cherry wood?
A: It rates about 2,950 on the Janka hardness scale, moderately hard compared to other hardwoods.

Q3: Can cherry wood be stained?
A: Yes, but it is usually best to preserve the natural reddish tone rather than dark stains.

Q4: Does cherry wood change color over time?
A: Yes, it darkens to a richer reddish-brown with age and exposure to light.

Q5: Where can I find cheap cherry wood lumber?
A: Look for local sawmills or online bulk sellers; however, quality may vary.