Not understanding the different types of wood can lead to using the wrong wood for your project.
I have years of experience working with both walnut wood and cherry wood. In this guide, I will share what I know about walnut vs cherry wood to ensure you pick the best types of wood for your needs.
Key Differences Between Walnut vs Cherry Wood
Knowing the best wood for your project makes your decision easy. But how do you know which one of the two between cherry and walnut, will best suit your home and decor?
- Grain: Walnut has flowing, intricate grain patterns. Meanwhile, cherry has a fine grain with waves.
- Color: Cherry has a lighter reddish-brown hue, and walnut features a rich, dark brown color.
- Hardness: Walnut wood is slightly more rigid and durable. Cherry is softer and more prone to scratches and dents.
- Best use: Walnut suits high-end furniture. In contrast, cherry furniture is ideal for more affordable pieces.
- Cost: Cherry wood is more budget-friendly, while the other is more expensive.
General Overview Between Cherry Wood and Walnut Wood
Both cherry and walnut wood offer effortless style, beauty, and durability. But, they both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Because each home has different requirements, only you can decide which wood is best.
Overview of Cherry Wood
Known for its elegance, cherry wood has a reddish-brown color that darkens over time. It also has a fruity, almond-like scent. But, its cost and challenging workability make cherry unsuitable for some projects. Cherry furniture placement to achieve even darkening is the key.
Overview of Walnut Wood
Walnut wood offers strength and durability. Its ability to absorb shock without warping makes carving easy. Unlike oak, it lightens over time, providing a beautiful contrast with lighter wood. Stable yet lightweight, this hardwood allows for intricate furniture details that remain strong.
Comparing the Differences Between Cherry vs. Walnut
Both walnut and cherry are good wood choices for your furniture, flooring, or cabinets. But, how do you know which one of the two will best suit your home and decor? Have a look at each of the woods when it comes to furniture, flooring, and cabinetry.
| Feature | Cherry | Walnut |
| Grain | Fine with ripples | Flowing, intricate grain patterns |
| Color | Lighter reddish-brown color | Light brown to rich, dark brown |
| Hardness | Softer, more prone to scratches/dents | Slightly harder and more durable |
| Cost | More budget-friendly | More expensive |
| Workability | Easier to cut and work with | Moderately complex to work |
| Pros | Stains well, ages beautifully over time | Luxurious look, intricate grains |
| Cons | Shows wear over time | Expensive, workability challenges |
Wood Grain
Cherry features a smooth texture and a closed, uniform grain pattern. Walnut wood grain has a medium texture and fine, straight grain. You may see pitch flecks or worm tracking on cherry; the latter can have irregular knots, waves, or curls.
Color
Cherry wood color can have a range of blonde to reddish brown with a smooth finish. In comparison, walnut wood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown. The three’s sapwood or outer part can have a pale yellow hue.
Strength
Walnut wood has a Janka hardness rating of 1,010, making it stronger than cherry, a softer wood, which is rated at 950. Cherry wood is still a hardwood, although it needs more care compared to oak or other hardwood trees.
Workability
Working with cherry and creating intricate carvings is much easier because it’s a soft wood. It nails and glues well despite the wood grain. Walnut polishes beautifully for steam bending. Cutting through the wood is more challenging because of its hardness.
Final Verdict: Which Is Better Between Cherry vs Wood?
When it comes to cherry vs walnut wood, the best wood depends on the project. Consider the needs of the specific use when selecting between cherry and walnut.
Walnut’s rich color and hardness make it superior for furniture. Cherry wood is often preferable for cabinets due to its lighter, warmer tones. The finish keeps small spaces feeling open and bright. Walnut is a better option for floors because of its ability to withstand foot traffic.
Which Is Better: Walnut or Cherry Wood Furniture?
For furniture, walnut is generally considered better than cherry. It has a richer color, intricate grain patterns, and greater hardness. Its characteristics make it well-suited for fine furniture where appearance is crucial. Cherry wood furniture can seem a bit dull by comparison.
Rustic cherry wood furniture is the best option if you want furniture with character. Dark mineral deposits, white and grey streaks, and occasional knots can all add to the look. But cherry furniture can sustain scratches more easily than other types of wood.
Walnut’s hardness is average for hardwood, and its construction is highly durable. Like in this walnut solid wood bed, the wood won’t warp, and it absorbs shock well and naturally resists decay.
Which Is Better: Cherry or Walnut Wood Flooring?
For flooring, walnut is also the better choice over cherry wood in most cases. Unlike other hardwoods, walnut’s durability makes it hold up better to foot traffic. Cherry is prone to showing wear and damage on the floor.
The exotic graining and rich autumn red colors make cherry a good wood choice for floors. This wood is appealing for floors because there is an option for every room and every budget.
Walnut is a superb flooring choice. The refined look will instantly enhance the appearance and decor of your home. Artistic grain markings and dark stains make walnut hardwood flooring look unique.
Which Is Better: Walnut or Cherry Wood Cabinets?
For cabinets, cherry is often regarded as superior. Like this Ethan Allen storage display cabinet, the cherry’s reddish tone provides warmth. Walnut’s aesthetics can seem too dark and absorb light in cabinetry.
Because of its red and brown undertones, cherry wood is perfect when it comes to the styling of cabinets. A natural glaze on cherry wood, creates an authentic look with its color variations.
Walnut’s complexity is due to its range of colors, patterns, and textures. It brings a vintage look to kitchen cabinets. Used with other materials like metals, it elevates your cabinetry to a more modern style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Walnut Trees Better Than Cherry Trees?
Walnut is generally considered the higher quality wood. The trees produce high-value lumber and nuts and tend to be more hardy and disease/pest resistant.
Is Cherry or Walnut Wood More Expensive?
Walnut wood is typically more expensive than oak or cherry wood. It is less common and considered a premier hardwood. The pricing difference can be a lot, with walnut wood being more expensive depending on grade.
Is Cherry Softer Than Walnut?
Yes, cherry wood is softer than walnut wood. On the Janka hardness scale, cherry rates around 950 while walnut rates around 1,010.
Conclusion
When picking between walnut and cherry woods, consider their color, hardness, and price. Your choice will depend on if you need it for furniture, flooring, or cabinets. Both woods are durable, but their differences make them suitable for different uses.
