{"id":16389,"date":"2021-01-28T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-28T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/?p=16389"},"modified":"2025-06-30T10:43:24","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T14:43:24","slug":"cherry-vs-maple-does-one-make-better-wood-furniture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/cherry-vs-maple-does-one-make-better-wood-furniture\/","title":{"rendered":"Cherry vs. Maple: Does One Make Better Wood Furniture?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There\u2019s a lot to know about wood types<\/a> when it comes to building custom wood furniture<\/a>. Durability, color, cost and features should all be considered before selecting a wood type for your new table, bed, desk or chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two wood types, both quite popular in Amish furniture<\/a>, are cherry wood <\/a>and maple wood. When it comes to cherry vs maple, does one make better wood furniture?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First we have cherry wood, one of the most popular and sought after wood types for solid wood furniture. Most of us have heard of cherry\u2019s elegance and durability, along with the red hues and the fascinating darkening cherry wood does over time with exposure to light.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Amish<\/a>
The Amish Dahlgren Double Cross Back Dining <\/a>Chair in cherry wood with burnt umber stain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Then there\u2019s maple, both brown maple<\/a> and hard maple. The maples have smooth wood grain like cherry. Brown maple in particular offers versatility and strength, while hard maple stuns with its light shades, hardness and powerful strength.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Amish<\/a>
The Amish Huntersville Single Pedestal Dining Table<\/a> in brown maple wood with nutmeg stain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Why do we compare them? There are similarities between cherry and brown maple in particular that are noteworthy. It has been said that brown maple mimics cherry with its smooth grain. With brown maple costing less, can you get the look of cherry for less?  The differences between the two showcase different capabilities that are also important to note, since they may limit what you can do as far as staining or painting.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Amish<\/a>
The Amish 36″ Vienna Bookcase<\/a> with Optional Doors in hard maple wood with natural stain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Facts About Cherry Wood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Changes in Color<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While cherry has a fine texture and uniform appearance, its color can vary. Many are drawn to cherry\u2019s exquisite reddish-brown hues. Cherry wood is actually a pale color when first cut, but it\u2019s famous for its slow darkening over time when exposed to light, which turns the wood a rich brown red shade. This natural darkening generates lots of interest in cherry furniture. It\u2019s also something that owners must pay attention to in order to see that darkening occurs evenly. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important where you place your cherry furniture as consideration must be taken to where all or portions of the furniture could be exposed to light.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Amish<\/a>
The Amish Fur Elise Rolling Pin Bed<\/a> in cherry wood with Washington finish.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Cherry\u2019s grain pattern is rich and smooth. Some features you will find in cherry wood are small dark spots, flecks and mineral deposits (places where sap was stored at one time). It may contain pith flecks (worm tracks that create brown streaks) and pit pockets. Cherry furniture is elegant and exudes warmth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Durability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While cherry is a softer hardwood, it is durable and a great choice for ornate chair or table styles. Even though cherry is a slightly softer variety of hardwood, it\u2019s one you can trust to stay strong. It can however, sustain nicks and dents more easily than other hardwoods, so owners of cherry furniture should take care that it is protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finishing Cherry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Woodworkers like cherry because it has a uniform grain with a fine smooth texture and they can easily shape it and work with it to create exquisite carvings and turnings. In addition, cherry polishes nicely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cherry can be stained in a variety of light or dark stain choices, or it can be left in a natural finish. Cherry makes stunning dining room tables <\/a>and is just the right choice for formal and traditional styles as well as transitional <\/a>ones that blend traditional and contemporary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cherry Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n