The cherry wood that gains character and charm with the passage of time

Among solid wood furniture, cherry wood is highly popular. 

Although commonly known by the colloquial name "cherry wood," its precise designation is "American Black Cherry." 

You might be more familiar with the term "black cherry," which refers to a tree that bears fruit slightly larger than cherries.

About Cherry

Cherry is a broadleaf tree that grows abundantly in North America, particularly in the eastern regions of the United States and Canada, and spans a wide area. When dried, cherry wood becomes a strong and dimensionally stable material. It achieves an exceptionally beautiful finish when polished, making it highly valued and sought after as furniture material. Due to its strength and aesthetic appeal, cherry wood is not only used for furniture but also for small items like shoehorns and as decorative veneers for interior materials.

Enjoy the changes that come with the passage of time.

The natural, unstained solid wood pieces develop a deeper character and richer color over time. This phenomenon is known as "patina."

Cherry wood, in particular, is renowned for its significant degree of patina.

Initially, it often starts with a pale pink hue, but as the years pass, influenced by factors such as ultraviolet light, it undergoes a dramatic transformation into a rich, amber-like deep reddish-brown, significantly altering its appearance.

The rapid pace of this change allows you to truly appreciate the unique characteristic of solid wood, which is that "the more you use it, the more its texture and character enhance." This is one of its most appealing features.

Especially when used for a table, witnessing the gradual change in color can evoke a sense of the family's history gathered around the dining table.

Start using

Six months later

One year later

Smooth and silky texture

The surface of cherry wood is dense and smooth, and simply polishing it can bring out a beautiful luster. Additionally, it is highly resistant to water and boasts excellent durability. The silky touch of this wood species is related to the arrangement of vessels, which are tubes that draw water from the ground.

 

Wood is classified into "ring-porous" and "diffuse-porous" types based on the arrangement of these vessels, which make up the majority of the wood's structure. Ring-porous wood has large vessels arranged in a regular pattern, resulting in distinct grain and a traditional wood texture. In contrast, diffuse-porous wood has small vessels arranged irregularly, creating a subtle grain and a smooth texture.

 

Cherry wood falls into the diffuse-porous category, with its vessels scattered throughout, giving it a smooth and glossy surface that feels pleasant to the touch. This irresistibly smooth texture can provide a soothing presence in daily life, inviting you to touch it again and again.

Delicate wood grain

One of the characteristics of cherry wood is its fine, almost knot-free grain. This grain is related to the vessels that affect the texture of the wood. The grain refers to the pattern of the growth rings, which changes depending on the arrangement and characteristics of the vessels. In ring-porous woods, where the vessels are concentrated along the growth rings, the grain tends to stand out, giving the wood a strong and bold appearance. Oak is a good example of this.

On the other hand, cherry wood is a diffuse-porous wood, where the vessels are scattered. This results in a softer, more subtle grain that does not emphasize the growth rings as much, giving it a gentle and delicate impression.

Oak

Cherry

Character mark

Natural wood is derived from nature. Just as each person has unique physical and personality traits, natural wood, which has endured harsh weather and lived earnestly, possesses its own distinctive character. This unique character of the wood is referred to as its "character marks."

When furniture is crafted from natural cherry wood, "character marks" almost certainly appear. These marks are a testament to the authenticity of the natural material, and it would not be an exaggeration to call them a gift from nature.

Let me introduce the characteristic marks commonly found in cherry wood.

Gum Pocket

Gum pocket refers to the marks left by resin that has seeped out and solidified in the gaps between cells as a tree attempts to heal its wounds during its growth stages. These marks are also known as "mineral streaks." They can appear as linear patterns or as spots.

Ripple Mark

This is a type of wood grain pattern that arises from the growth process of trees, the shrinkage due to climate changes, and the arrangement of radial tissues and components.

In contrast to the vertical flow of the wood grain, horizontal linear patterns appear, resembling the gentle flow of a river, with a slight sheen. Depending on the viewing position and the angle of light, the wave patterns can appear three-dimensional, and the shades of color can seem to reverse, making it a very captivating grain pattern.

If you have a table or floor made of cherry wood, one of the pleasures is to observe it from various angles and distances.

From the perspective of processing natural wood, we regard the grain patterns, hues, and the way they age over time as unique characteristics. Rather than excessively eliminating or altering these features, we strive to incorporate them into our products as naturally as possible.

For those who are particularly concerned about the "Gum Pocket" or "Ripple Mark" character marks, we do not recommend cherry wood.

Easy to coordinate

The dual role of solid wood as both furniture and interior decor is best exemplified by cherry wood. Over time, its color gradually changes, and the character marks become accents that add vibrancy and a natural touch to the space. Particularly notable is its rapid aging process, which allows you to enjoy different atmospheres without having to rearrange the room, simply by keeping the same furniture.

 

By coordinating your furniture with cherry wood or items of similar hues, and skillfully incorporating decorative accessories, you can create a dynamic and well-balanced space. The warm, natural texture of cherry wood creates a soothing environment, and its ability to harmonize with other materials without being overly assertive is one of the reasons it continues to be cherished worldwide.