I know that given the wide variety of wood available, choosing the most ideal for a woodworking project can be something of a tough. This is even more pronounced when choosing between two great choices like Cherry and Oak woods, both used in the furniture industry.
For several years, I have used these specific woods, in addition to a number of others. I’ll be comparing oak vs cherry wood and detailing their distinct strengths and weaknesses for furniture, flooring, and cabinets so you can know when to use each.
Oak vs Cherry Wood
Cherry is a hardwood. It is a fashionable choice typically used for residential furniture in dining rooms. You would commonly find cherry wood or oak flooring; however, Oak wood is the more commonly used wood type for flooring as Cherry is liable to dent under consistent foot traffic.
Cherry’s timber is made up of fine grain and, as it is lighter, is easier to mill and cut with a table saw. It also has a smooth, closed grain pattern.
Oak belongs to the hardwood family like maple and is exceptionally durable. Due to its strength, Oak, unfortunately, splinters and shatters. Frequently it is sawed as to resist warping, illustrating that it isn’t easy to work with. Oak wood has a recognizable broad grain pattern.
The Janka hardwood rating scale assesses the degree of hardness of different wood types. It measures the force needed to insert a 0.444-inch steel ball into the wood; the 0.444 is one-half of the diameter of the ball.
The Janka scale is produced in units; in the US, it’s pounds-force (lbf). White Oak has a Janka rating scale of 1,360 lbf and Red Oak 1290 lbf. Cherry wood’s Janka pounds-force is 995 lbf.
Oakwood possesses a high natural density with significant shock absorption, while Cherry is not too dense with moderate shock absorption.
Although Oakwood is more substantial, it isn’t stronger; Cherry is slightly supple and less likely to shatter or splinter than Oak. Cherry’s light composition makes it easy to whittle, carve, shape, sculpt, and fashion.
Similarly, cherry has good bending properties, and this wood type allows for a smooth finish.
Cherry Wood Coloring
Comparing oak vs cherry hardwood color, cherry color ranges from reddish-brown to blond and golden hues. Occasionally the color darkens with age, which can be advantageous or not depending on the buyer. When the wood is unstained, it has deep, exquisite natural hues.
When it comes to staining, cherry wood furniture stains well but must be oiled or protected to resist moisture. The wood type is susceptible to fading, and precaution must be taken. Dark stains may also begin to appear as it ages.
Cherry has delicate, curvy grain pattern variations that randomly discontinue and reappear; regular patches of deep dark wood also identify it. Cherry also possesses a smooth texture with a moderate natural luster. Cherry is fine, smooth, and has a moderate natural luster.
Oak Wood Coloring
Staining Oakwood could excessively darken the wood and overstate the grain, making it appear two-toned. Oakwood is inclined to be very granular, which is visible and tangible. Oak hardwood creates a rustic appeal, and in this, it is easily recognizable.
Oak Wood Availability
Firstly, is oak or cherry wood more expensive? Oak wood is widely available throughout the US, and because of this, it is less expensive than Cherry. Oak belongs to Quercus of the beech genera of Fagaceae; there are about 500 species of Oak. There are two parent species of Oak- White and Red Oak.
Red Oak’s color ranges from light brown to pinkish red; it has a whirling, eddying design. The color of the White can be compared to a tiger-stripe grain pattern comprised of yellow-ray-like streaks and speckles. White is more sturdy than Red Oak wood and less expensive.
White Oak wood is preferable for making furniture as it is more aesthetically pleasing than Red Oak wood. It is also resistant to humidity, moisture, and dampness and can be used in outdoor furniture.
Cherry Wood Availability
Cherry is a great deal more exclusive and may need to be ordered at a high price. Cherry primarily grows in eastern regions of the US. It is harvested from sustainably grown forests. It is a very high-demand product, and this adds to its elevated cost. It is classified as solid hardwood as it belongs to the dicot family.
Oak Wood Versatility
Both Cherry and Oak wood are highly versatile and used in various ways. Oak wood is used to craft furniture like walnut, outside furniture (White Oak wood), flooring, window and door frames, decking, and flooring.
Cherry Wood Versatility
The uses of this wood vary and range from crafting toys, flooring cabinets, and other cherry wood furniture. The bark or outer portion of Cherry wood can be chewed like gum, and the inherent fragrance of the wood allows use for its aromatic, perfumed scents.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Oakwood
Oak is valued for its beauty, strength, longevity, and accessibility; however, there are disadvantages; for example, its strength can shatter the wood.
Oak has a high tannin content which, although naturally defends it from insects, fungus, and disease, will respond poorly (stain in blue and black) to metal, oil finishes, and wet climate.
Advantages
- High availability
- Affordable in the US due to its high availability
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Longevity
- White Oak contains chemicals allowing natural resilience to moisture (water-resistant)
- Dense material, therefore excellent shock absorption
- Due to high tannin content, they are naturally resistant to insect and fungal infestations
- Not susceptible to decay and rotting
- Not prone to warp in sunlight
- Resistant to shrinkage (if properly cared for)
- Resistant to corrosion
- It is visually pleasing, especially when its quartersawn
- Versatile
- Stains and polishes well
Disadvantages
- Shatters/ splinter easily (brittle)
- Very granular and doesn’t stain well – can appear two-toned.
- The natural grain is sensitive and challenging to work with
- Require skilled labor (years of training and experience) adds to the expense
- Oak takes 150 years to mature before use; therefore, it can be costly, especially outside the US
- The drying method is slow and protracted, and kiln-dried Oak splits as soon as it dries
- High tannin element and exposure to wet, cold climate reacts poorly with oil finishes, and the Oak stains blue-black when working with metal
- Red Oak tends to warp when exposed to elements
- Can shrink if not polished or cared for, shrinks can turn into cracks
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cherry Wood
Cherry is desired for its appealing dark reddish-brown to golden tones, strength, smooth texture, and moderate natural luster in cherry wood furniture. It isn’t likely to shatter; even though it’s a solid hardwood, it’s supple. However, it tends to scratch, dent, and warp in constant sunlight and heavy foot traffic.
The wood has a habit of collecting dust, which is stark and noticeable on the surface of the wood.
Advantages
- Workable
- Durable without being too dense
- Longevity (with care)
- Supple (won’t shatter/splinter easily)
- Stains well
- Absorb shock
- Polishes well
- Can withstand harmful elements and decay like cedar wood (within reason and preventative measures)
- Wood can darken with age
Disadvantages
- Expensive
- Exclusive
- Wood can darken with age
- Measures are required to protect the wood from fading and moisture
- Susceptible to scratches
- Has inherent tendency toward dents and marks from heavy foot traffic
- Direct sunlight can warp, harm, and change the color of Cherry wood furniture
- Not resistant to moisture/water
- Cherry wood doesn’t disguise dirt and dust, which quickly accumulates on the surface
- Susceptible to shrinking (only once will then be stable)
Cherry Wood Cost
Cherry wood is more expensive than oakwood because of its slower growth rate, limited availability, and exceptional aesthetic appeal. Cherry trees mature more slowly, resulting in a lower supply of mature cherry wood. Furthermore, cherry trees are not as common as their oak wood counterparts, making them less accessible.
Cherry wood’s rich reddish-brown color and distinctive grain patterns add to its popularity in fine furniture and cabinetry, driving up demand and prices.
Furthermore, the ease of workability, natural decay resistance, and market demand justify the higher price. These factors combine to make cherry wood a premium choice in woodworking, but it is also more expensive than the more widely available oakwood.
Oak Wood Cost
Oakwood is less expensive than cherry wood due to its faster growth rate and wider distribution. Oak trees grow faster, resulting in a larger and more easily accessible supply of oakwood. Their widespread geographical distribution ensures a consistent and plentiful supply of oakwood, which helps keep prices low.
Furthermore, oakwood is frequently chosen for applications where aesthetics are less important, adding to its affordability. Its versatility and durability make it a viable option for a variety of projects, and its relatively consistent appearance simplifies production, lowering costs.
These factors combine to make oak and brown maple, one of the least expensive hardwood wood types for furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cherry Wood More Expensive Than Oak?
Yes, cherry wood is more expensive than oak wood. This is because of a variety of factors, such as its availability, demand, properties, and finishing. Because cherry trees are less common than oak, cherry wood is less widely available. Cherry wood is also popular due to its appealing appearance, good workability, durability, and premium finishing.
Is Cherry Wood Stronger Than Oak?
No, cherry wood is not more durable than oak. Oak wood is denser and stronger than cherry wood, making it a better choice for applications requiring high strength.
Cherry wood has a hardness of 995 on the Janka hardness scale, while oak wood has a hardness of 1290 – 1360. This means that oak wood is approximately 35% harder than cherry wood. So, oak wood is the better wood for furniture, particularly outdoor or high-traffic areas.
Is Cherry Hardwood Outdated?
No, cherry hardwood is not out of date. Cherry hardwood is a timeless and classic wood that can be used in a variety of styles ranging from traditional to modern.
Because of its warm, appealing appearance and versatility, it remains a popular choice for woodworking and other applications. Because of its timeless appeal, cherry is still used in both contemporary and traditional designs.
Conclusion
Oak and Cherry are hardwoods and possess both strengths and weaknesses. Oak wood is sturdier, dense, and more durable and Cherry is less dense and supple. Oak wood is available and therefore affordable, while Cherry is exclusive and expensive.
Oak is more shock absorbent; its grainy, coarse texture is moisture-resistant (primarily White Oak). Cherry is smooth with a moderate luster. Both woods are considered aesthetically pleasing and are popular choices.
