American Cherry Lumber in Houston – Overview

American Cherry Lumber

Specifications

  • Thicknesses (Commonly Stocked at Houston Hardwoods in): 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, and 12/4. We also offer custom milling to your exact specifications (e.g., 1×2, 1×4, 1×6, or other custom dimensions), as well as various options including S4S, S2S, S2S1E, and SLR1E.
  • Species: Prunus serotina (Black Cherry)
  • Hardness (Janka): 950 lbf
  • Color: Light pinkish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood, deepening to a rich reddish-brown with age and light exposure; creamy white sapwood
  • Grain: Fine, straight, and uniform; often displays unique figure like “gum pockets” or “pin knots”
  • Workability: Excellent — machines, carves, and turns exceptionally well; sands to a silky smooth finish; takes stain and finishes beautifully.
  • Common Uses in Houston: Fine furniture, custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, decorative accents, and musical instruments

What Makes American Cherry Unique

American Cherry stands apart with its elegant, warm look and remarkable aging process. Unlike many other hardwoods, this wood naturally deepens in color over time. It changes from a lighter pinkish-brown to a rich, glowing reddish-brown when exposed to light. This natural darkening, often made better by clear finishes, gives it a classic, lasting appeal. Its fine, even grain and smooth feel offer a high-class appearance, making it a top choice for projects where beauty and character are key. You might also see small gum pockets or tiny knots, which add unique, natural charm without taking away from its smooth look.

Why Choose American Cherry

  • Rich, Changing Color: Its special ability to get darker and grow into a beautiful reddish-brown color over time creates a truly unique and warm look in your projects.
  • Easy to Work With: Woodworkers love how easily it cuts, shapes, and sands. This allows for detailed work and a very smooth final product.
  • Elegant Look: The fine, straight grain and smooth feel give it a refined and classic appearance, perfect for high-quality furniture and interior pieces.
  • Stays in Shape: When dried and prepared correctly, this material is known for staying stable. This means less worry about your finished pieces bending or changing shape.
  • Good for Finishing: It takes stains and clear coats very well, making its natural beauty stand out and allowing for many different looks.

Why You Might Not Choose American Cherry

  • Color Changes with Light: Because it naturally darkens, parts of a project that get different amounts of light (for example, a tabletop partially covered by a decorative item) might darken unevenly. This is something to plan for or simply accept as part of its natural aging.
  • Softer Among Hardwoods: With a Janka hardness of 950 lbf, it’s a strong wood, but softer than woods like Oak or Hard Maple. This means it could be more easily dented or scratched in areas that see a lot of use.

American Cherry in the Houston Climate

Acclimation for Best Results

Like all quality woods, American Cherry performs best in Houston’s humid climate when given enough time to get used to indoor conditions before use. This step is key to keeping the wood stable and preventing issues like bending or cracking in the finished project. This is especially important given our area’s high humidity (70–90%) and changing temperatures.

Ideal for Indoor Projects

This beautiful wood is best used inside homes and buildings in Houston. While it can be used outdoors if it’s heavily sealed, its beauty and value are best kept safe inside. This protects it from the strong sun, heavy rain, and high humidity of our city that could affect how it looks and holds up over time.

Color and Grain Changes

The natural darkening of this lumber is a main feature. In sunny Houston homes, being exposed to sunlight will make it darken faster, bringing out its classic reddish-brown color. If you wish to slow down this color change, finishes that block UV light can help keep its color more even, especially in rooms with lots of natural light.

Popular American Cherry Applications in Houston

American Cherry’s fine grain and lovely aging make it a top choice for Houston’s careful designers, custom furniture makers, and homeowners who want beauty that lasts. Its warm colors and refined look bring class to custom projects in homes and businesses across the city and its nearby communities.

Popular Applications Include:

  • Fine Furniture: Creating high-quality dining sets, dressers, and bedroom furniture in upscale Houston areas like River Oaks and The Woodlands.
  • Custom Cabinetry: Elegant kitchen cabinets, built-in bookshelves, and bathroom vanities that add warmth and style to homes in Memorial and West University Place.
  • Architectural Millwork: Fancy interior trim, wall panels, and doors for a smooth and refined look in homes and commercial spaces.
  • Decorative Accents: Hand-carved pieces, detailed frames, and turned items that show off the wood’s fine grain and color.
  • Musical Instruments: Used for parts of high-quality guitars, violins, and other instruments by Houston’s skilled craftspeople.

Current Design Trends Featuring American Cherry:

  • Classic Traditional Interiors: This wood is a go-to for timeless furniture and built-ins, fitting perfectly with rich and lasting designs in Houston homes.
  • Transitional Styling: Its clean grain and warm color blend old and new styles, making it popular for custom pieces in flexible home designs.
  • Elegant Home Offices: Used for impressive desks, shelving, and wall panels, creating refined and productive work areas in Houston’s city and suburban regions.
  • Custom Built-Ins: Made into tailored entertainment centers, display cases, and library shelving that add specific use and beauty.

Looking for American Cherry for Your Next Project?

We stock this premium wood in 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, and 12/4 thicknesses and can custom mill to your exact needs. Whether you’re crafting a lasting piece of furniture, designing elegant cabinets, or creating sophisticated architectural details, our team is here to help you pick the right material.

Visit Houston Hardwoods or contact us to check availability, request a quote, or discuss your project plans.