Walnut vs Cherry Wood: Which One Is the Best for You?

When it comes to wood, there are a lot of different options to choose from. But which one is the best for you?

In this blog post, we will compare walnut vs cherry wood and help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs. Both of these types of wood have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand them before making a decision. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What Is Walnut Wood?

Walnut wood is a type of hardwood that is typically used in the construction of furniture and cabinets. It is also a popular choice for floors and paneling. Walnut wood has a dark brown color with a straight grain pattern.

Walnut wood is available in two main types: black walnut and walnut. Black walnut is the more expensive of the two types.

Walnut wood is available in two different grades. Grade A walnut wood is the highest quality and is typically used in high-end furniture. Grade B walnut wood is of lower quality and is often used in lower-priced furniture or for construction purposes.

Walnut wood is a hardwood that is strong and durable. It is also resistant to warping and twisting. It is easy to work with and takes stain well.

What Is Cherry Wood?

Cherry wood is a type of hardwood that is popular for a variety of different uses. Cherry wood is typically red or brown in color. It is often used in the construction of cabinets, furniture, and flooring. Cherry wood has a beautiful grain pattern that makes it unique among other types of wood.

Cherry wood is also used in the making of musical instruments and gun stocks. The wood is strong and durable, making it an ideal choice for a variety of different applications.

It comes in a variety of different grades, depending on the quality of the wood. The highest grade is VG, which stands for very good. This grade is typically only found in high-end furniture and cabinets. The next grade down is F, which stands for fine.

This grade is still quite nice and can be used in a variety of applications. The last grade is P, which stands for Poor. This grade is not as popular and is typically only used in lower-end applications.

CHERRY VS WALNUT

CATEGORY	CHERRY WOOD	WALNUT WOOD
PRICE	The price of Cherry wood varies depending on the quality of the lumber and can range from $7.99-$12.99/board foot. You can order natural, high character and premium cherry boards. If you order in bulk you can get cheaper pricing.	The price of Walnut wood varies depending on the quality of the lumber and can range from $11.99-$20.99/board foot. You can order natural, high character and premium walnut boards. If you order in bulk you can get cheaper pricing.
JANKA HARDNESS	Cherry Janka Hardness score is 950	Walnut Janka Hardness score is 1010
DURABILITY	Cherry’s durability makes it a great wood for high-impact areas like floors and stairs.	Walnut’s durability makes it ideal for furniture and cabinetry.
SPECIES	Cherry species is called Prunus and it belongs to the Rosaceae family.	Walnut species is called Juglans and it belongs to the Juglandaceae family.
TREE SIZE	Cherry tree can average between 30 and 50 feet tall and spread between 20 and 30 feet. Cherry tree leaves are smaller, lighter green, and smooth to the touch. Cherry trees have a more oval-shaped crown.	Walnut trees are generally smaller, averaging between 20 and 60 feet tall with a spread of 50-75 feet. Walnut tree leaves are larger, darker green, and have a rough texture. Walnut trees have a more rounded canopy.
LOCATION	Cherry trees are native to Europe and parts of Asia but are also grown in North America. Cherry trees prefer a cool climate with moist, well-drained soil.	Walnut trees are native to the Mediterranean region but are also grown in other parts of the world including North America, Europe, and Asia. Walnut trees prefer a temperate climate with well-drained soil.
COLOR	Cherry wood is typically a reddish brown color. However, it can also range in color from pale yellow to deep red. It’s important to remember that Cherry will darken over time while Walnut will lighten. Cherry blossoms are pink.	Walnut wood is typically a chocolate brown color with darker streaks running through it. Walnut wood may also have a slightly purple hue to it. Walnut, on the other hand, has a more consistent color. It is usually a dark chocolate brown but can also be found in lighter shades. Walnut blossoms are greenish-yellow.
GRAIN	Cherry wood grain is straight grained with a smooth texture. The pores are small and evenly spaced out, making it a very strong and durable wood.	Walnut wood grain is straight grained and pores are much larger and more spaced out. Walnut wood grain is more open with a looser feel and a rough texture. The grain of walnut is also much more pronounced than maple.
END GRAIN	Cherry End Grain is more course, with large pores and a more random grain pattern. Cherry also has a wider range of colors and grain patterns.	Walnut End Grain is smooth, with small, uniform pores arranged in a spiral pattern. Walnut on the other hand is a softer more open grained wood that will show knife marks more readily. Walnut also has a limited range of colors and grain patterns.
ROT RESISTANCE	Cherry’s rot resistance is due to the chemical properties of cyanide. Walnut is more resistant to rot than cherry.	Walnut’s rot resistance is due to the chemical properties of juglone and its low density. Walnut is a relatively soft wood, and its low density makes it more difficult for decay-causing fungi to penetrate the wood.
SUSTAINABILITY	Cherry trees take approximately 12 years to reach peak production making them a little more sustainable because of the quicker harvesting period.	Walnut trees can be harvested after reaching maturity between 40-60 years old. It is not as sustainable because it is a less common resource and takes longer to grow.
USES	Cherry wood can be used for furniture, cabinets, flooring, paneling, musical instruments and a variety of other woodworking projects.	Walnut wood can be used for furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, veneers, interior paneling, cutting boards, marquetry inlays, checkboards, flooring, millwork, desks, dining tables and butcher blocks.
RELATED SPECIES	Cherry tree related species are found throughout the northern hemisphere. There are about 50 related species of cherry including black cherry, chokecherry, and pin cherry.	Walnut related species are found mostly in the southern hemisphere but some grow in the northern hemisphere as well. There are about 30 related species of walnut including black walnut, butternut, and heartnut. walnuts are evergreen.

CHERRY VS WALNUT: PROS & CONS

	CHERRY	WALNUT
PROS	The pros of Cherry wood are that it can be harvested sooner, it’s core is very rot resistant, it’s beauty makes it versatile in various uses, and it is a strong wood.	The pros of Walnut wood are that it is very strong and durable. Walnut is also a popular choice for furniture because it has a beautiful grain pattern. Walnut can be stained or painted to match any decor.
CONS	The cons of Cherry are that it can be difficult to work with, it’s susceptible to damage from sunlight and temperature changes.	The cons of Walnut are that it is susceptible to scratches and dents. Walnut is also a bit more expensive than some other types of wood.

Walnut Wood Is Best For:

-Making high-quality furniture

-Creating beautiful floors

-Constructing cabinets and other storage solutions

If you’re looking for a wood that will give your home a luxurious look and feel, then walnut is the way to go. This type of wood is often used in high-end furniture and flooring, as it has a rich, dark color that really makes a statement.

It’s also perfect for constructing cabinets and other storage solutions, as it is both strong and stylish. So if you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your home, then walnut wood is the way to go.

Cherry Wood Is Best For:

Cherry wood is best for furniture that will be used daily, like dining room tables and chairs, coffee tables, and end tables. It’s also well-suited for bedroom furniture, particularly dressers and nightstands.

Cherry wood is a beautiful hardwood with a rich, red hue. It’s often used in high-end furniture because of its durability and natural luster. When shopping for cherry wood furniture, look for pieces that have been constructed with solid wood joinery. This type of furniture will last for generations.

Cherry wood is an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality, long-lasting furniture. With proper care, your cherry wood furniture can last a lifetime.

Is Walnut More Expensive Than Cherry?

Walnut wood is more expensive than Cherry wood because it has a smaller supply available. It’s a more difficult wood to grow and cultivate so the trees are not as common. The limited availability and increased demand make walnut a pricier wood than cherry.

Do Cherry And Walnut Go Together?

Yes, Cherry and Walnut go together well because of their durability and beautiful grain patterns.

Cherry is a hardwood that is naturally resistant to rot and decay, making it a great choice for furniture. Walnut is also a durable hardwood with a beautiful grain pattern. When choosing wood for your furniture, consider the type of wood, the color, and the grain pattern.

You can mix and match different woods to create unique pieces of furniture.