Cherry wood is a popular material for furniture and other wooden items. But where does it come from? Many people know that it’s native to Europe, West Asia, and North Africa, but how did it get there?
Here’s a brief overview of the history of this beautiful wood.
Where Cherry Wood Comes From
Confirmed as being present in Europe since the Neolithic period, cherry wood is believed to have been introduced from the Middle East and North Africa.
In the 14th century, it was said that cherry trees were native to Turkey and Spain, but by the 18th century, they had spread throughout Europe.
The wood was probably spread by humans migrating throughout the continent.
Cherrywood then reached North Africa and West Asia, as it may have been brought there by traders, settlers, or even nomads who traveled between the regions.
Cherry wood – also known as Prunus serotina, Prunus avium, or Prunus cerasus – is renowned for its deep red hue and fine grain pattern, which makes it an excellent choice for furniture-making and interior design projects.
It also grows in parts of North America, but the American variety differs from its European counterpart due to the different soil compositions in those regions.
While Prunus Serotina can be found across the east coast, mid-west, and parts of Mexico, the strongest and healthiest trees are usually found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. That’s why homeowners should ensure that their cherry wood furniture has been sourced sustainably from one of these states.
Thankfully, many furniture makers are committed to ethical sourcing practices and make sure that the wood they use has been harvested responsibly.
Characteristics of Cherry Wood
Let’s look at some of the key characteristics of this wood:
- Appearance – Cherry wood is usually straight-grained, but it can sometimes have an attractive wavy or curly grain pattern. It has a lustrous surface that creates a beautiful finish when polished. Over time, the color of the wood darkens slightly as it ages due to oxidation.
- Easy to Work With – Another reason why it’s so desirable is that it’s relatively easy to work with when compared to other hardwoods like oak or maple – it takes nails fairly easily and cuts cleanly without splintering or cracking.
- Durability – Cherry is a hardwood, so it is resistant to wear and tear. This makes it a great choice for furniture that will be used in the home or office, as well as outdoor pieces that need to stand up to the elements.
- Flexibility – Cherry is easy to cut, carve and mold into different shapes and forms. This makes it incredibly versatile for furniture makers who can create unique pieces that are customized to each customer’s specifications.
Uses for Cherry Wood
Throughout history, cherry wood has been used for a variety of purposes. It was used to make furniture, musical instruments, and even weapons during the Middle Ages.
This trend continued well into the 18th and 19th centuries. In fact, many of the grand mansions built in this time period featured cherry wood furniture.
Its attractive red color has also made it popular for decorative purposes such as cabinets and carvings. Cherry wood is also renowned for its durability and resistance to decay – making it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture or other items that will be exposed to the elements over time.
Today, it is still used to make high-end furniture as well as kitchen cabinets and other wooden items. It’s also a popular choice for flooring, trimming, and paneling projects.
Modern Uses for Cherry Wood
Today, cherry wood is still popular for furniture and decorative items – both indoors and outdoors – but its uses have expanded beyond that.
Walk into any number of food establishments today, and there’s a high chance you’ll see it used for flooring. Its tight grain pattern makes it resistant to warping, cracking, and staining.
It’s also commonly used in boat building, as it is lightweight yet strong enough to withstand the elements of sea travel. Cherry wood can also be found in guitar bodies and other musical instruments, due to its durability and distinctive aesthetic.
Whether you’re looking for something beautiful to add to your home or office, or need a sturdy material for an outdoor project – cherry wood is a great choice. Its attractive color and grain pattern make it highly desirable, while its versatile nature makes it suitable for a wide variety of uses.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for something stylish or something durable, cherry wood is an excellent choice.
Its attractive red hue lends itself beautifully to both indoor and outdoor applications – and because it’s naturally resistant to decay, you can trust that your investment will last a lifetime!
With all these benefits combined with its timeless elegance – it’s no wonder why so many people are turning to cherry wood when they need a beautiful and reliable material that will stand the test of time.
