Are you planning on adding cherry wood to your home decor? But, you’re not sure which wood complements it the best?
Choosing a suitable wood to pair with cherry can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
When pairing cherry wood with other types of wood, it’s essential to consider each wood’s undertones, textures, and finishes.
Cherry wood is a popular choice for furniture and home decor due to its warm, rich tones and durability. Oak and ash are both suitable for cherry, oak has a more muted effect, while ash provides a sharper contrast. The choice of wood depends on personal preference and desired outcome for the furniture or decor piece.
Here, we will guide you through the best woods that go with cherry so that you can create a beautiful and cohesive look in your home.
Characteristics of Cherry Wood
Did you know that Cherry Wood is a popular choice for furniture and interior joinery and holds great ecological significance? This is because Cherry Wood is a 1.8-hectare Local Nature Reserve restored as a nature reserve in 1990 after being used as a rubbish dump.
Its unique characteristics include medium density and good wood bending properties, which make it easy to work with and shape into various designs. Though it may not be suitable for certain applications due to its low stiffness, cherry wood is hard and stable when dry, making it easy to stain and finish to an excellent surface.
The versatility and aesthetic appeal of Cherry Wood still makes it highly prized in the woodworking industry.
Cherry wood characteristics at a glance:
| Color | Pinkish to rich reddish brown |
| Source | American Black Cherry Tree (Prunus Serotina) |
| Janka Hardness | 950 lbf or 4230 N |
| Estimated Cost | $3 to $10 per board foot |
| Common Uses | Furniture, cabinets, flooring, musical instruments, joinery, etc. |
| Scientific Name | Prunus Serotina |
| Tree Size | 50 to 100 feet (length), 3 to 5 feet (trunk diameter) |
| Dried Weight (Average) | 560 kg/m3 |
| Shrinkage | 3.7% (Radial), 7.1% (Tangential), 11.5% (Volumetric), 1.9 (T/R Ratio) |
Best Wood Pairings for Cherry Wood
Oak wood:
Oak wood is a classic and timeless choice for pairing with cherry wood. Its warm tones are similar to cherry’s, but its grain patterns differ enough to provide an interesting and distinct contrast.
Oak provides an excellent base for the richness of cherry while also providing durability and stability. It is ideal if you are looking for a natural look that will last for years.
Ash wood:
Ash wood is an excellent choice for pairing with cherry wood due to its strength and durability. Its light color contrasts the deep tones of the cherry, creating an eye-catching combination that will draw attention.
Ash has a unique grain pattern, giving it character and making it an interesting choice for furniture pieces. It may be more expensive than other types of wood, but its lasting beauty is worth the investment.
Maple wood:
If you want a lighter option to pair with cherry, maple is an excellent choice. Its pale tones contrast the deep hues of cherry, giving it a more subtle appearance.
Maple’s strength and stiffness suit furniture construction and joinery projects. Its tight grain pattern also makes it easy to stain and finish.
Other Factors to Consider
Other design elements that may affect wood pairing include:
Finish:
The finish of the wood can make a massive difference in the overall look of a piece. Consider what type of finish you would like to use on your furniture or home decor, and then choose woods that will complement it.
For example, consider using darker wood with a distressed finish if you want a more rustic look.
Texture:
The texture of the wood can also affect how it looks when paired with other woods. Consider whether you want a smooth finish or something more textured, such as hand-scraped wood.
Undertones:
When pairing woods, consider the undertones of each one. For example, cherry and oak have similar warm tones, but their grain patterns are different enough to create an exciting contrast.
Conclusion
When selecting the best woods to pair with cherry, consider your personal preferences and design goals.
Oak and ash contrast the dark tones of cherry, while maple gives a more subtle look. Consider other factors, such as finish and texture, when selecting the perfect wood pairing.