Cherry wood, sourced primarily from the American Black Cherry tree (Prunus serotina), is a highly valued hardwood known for its smooth texture and fine, straight grain. When newly cut, the wood possesses a relatively light hue, often described as a pale pinkish-tan or light salmon color. The wood is prized for the dramatic color transformation it undergoes over time. This unique characteristic, combined with its excellent workability, makes cherry a popular choice for fine furniture, cabinetry, and interior millwork.
The Distinct Colors of Cherry Wood
The color profile of a cherry wood board is determined by the two main components of the tree’s structure: the heartwood and the sapwood. The heartwood is the dense, non-living core of the trunk, exhibiting the species’ signature color. When freshly milled, this wood tends to be a deep pinkish-tan, a pale salmon, or a light reddish-brown.
The heartwood color is rich in natural compounds that contribute to its distinctive tone and fine, closed grain pattern. In contrast, the sapwood, the younger, outer layer of the tree that transports water and nutrients, is much lighter. Sapwood color can range from creamy white to pale yellow or very light pink.
Lumber often contains both heartwood and sapwood, leading to natural color variation within a single piece or project. Woodworkers typically select the more uniformly colored heartwood for high-end applications.
How Cherry Wood Color Changes Over Time
One defining trait of cherry wood is its photosensitivity, which causes a significant color shift after milling. When the wood is exposed to light, both natural sunlight and artificial sources, it undergoes a process of oxidation and photodegradation. The phenolic compounds and resins, such as prussic acid and tannins, naturally present in the wood react with oxygen and ultraviolet (UV) light.
This chemical reaction causes the initially light, pinkish-tan hues to darken and deepen substantially over a period of months and years. The wood develops a rich, warm patina, transforming into a deep reddish-brown or a reddish-gold color similar to mahogany. This color transformation begins almost immediately upon exposure and is most pronounced during the first six to twelve months.
Up to 80% of the total color change can occur within the first year, with the wood continuing to mature and deepen in tone over several more years. This aging process is a highly valued characteristic that gives cherry wood its classic, antique appearance. To ensure even color development, new cherry pieces should receive uniform light exposure, as uneven shading can lead to lighter spots.
Why the Wood Does Not Match the Blossoms
The iconic pink and white colors of cherry blossoms bear little resemblance to the reddish-brown tone of the finished wood. The blossoms’ color is derived from temporary pigments in the petals. In contrast, the wood’s color is a feature of the trunk’s permanent structure, specifically the heartwood.
The deep tones of the heartwood result from accumulated tannins, resins, and other extractive compounds stored within the wood cells. These compounds serve protective functions for the tree and are chemically distinct from the pigments that color the flowers. Furthermore, the species most prized for fine lumber, such as the American Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), are often different from the ornamental varieties grown for their floral displays.