Cherry wood cabinets have been a popular choice in traditional kitchens for nearly a century. This premium hardwood is produced from the American Black Cherry tree, highly sought out for its warm and beautiful colors and interesting aging characteristics. Cherry wood has a great reputation in the woodworking and cabinet-making community for its prestige, luxurious texture, durability, and shock resistance, which makes it well-suited for long-lasting kitchen cabinets.
While cherry cabinets are typically more expensive than materials like oak or maple, the overall durability and beauty is worth the investment. There are many different treatments and finishes to allow for styling that will coordinate with the rest of the kitchen. If you’re interested in the classic look of cherry cabinets, here’s what you need to know – plus some important features, finish options, cost, design ideas, and more!
Important Features in Cherry Wood
Cherry wood is known for its warm reddish tones that amplify its fine, smooth grain and offers a color range from off whites to soft browns. Each wood has a personality of its own including natural gum deposits, swirl patterns, small knots or subtle shrinkage. It is generally used in rustic and craftsman-styled furniture, but cherry wood can also be used successfully in more modern kitchen designs.
Tip: Cherry cabinetry will darken from sunlight over time. Choose a blend you will enjoy even as it deepens.
Finishing Options for Cherry Cabinets
What makes cherry wood unique, other than the warm color, is how well it finishes and ages. Cherry wood accepts stain and finish very nicely and can be finished to a smooth polished finish. Your cherry cabinets will exude warmth and elegance regardless of whether you prefer a light natural finish or a more deep traditional glaze.
Tip: While cherry will accept a variety of staining options, if you’d like to highlight the uniqueness of the wood, consider leaving it as natural as possible or using an oil-based finish like linseed or tung oil.
If you prefer a more traditional look, you may want to select a glaze finish. A glaze will not only protect the wood but also enhances the depth and richness of the cherry while it ages. Many people consider cherry to be a dark cabinet wood, but leaving the overall look based on its natural reddish-brown can create a great contrast between style and timelessness.
Cost of Cherry Kitchen Cabinets
Generally speaking, choosing cherry for your kitchen remodeling project typically runs 15-25% more than species like maple or oak. If you like the look of cherry but want to reduce the cost, “RTA” (Ready-To-Assemble) cabinets made from maple, birch, or ash and finished in cherry color may produce a similar effect. Don’t overlook the additional costs involved in your new cabinets such as labor, demolition, and custom options.
It is very helpful to start an upgrade with a kitchen layout plan. By putting that together you will have costs estimates, know what materials you need and generally set everything up according to your design. Once you finalize it it will also help to use a kitchen remodeling calculator to more accurately predict your total costs.
Ideas with Cherry Cabinets
To create a ruin that you can be proud of, you will want to reference visual ideas from professional designs. Here are a couple of ideas just for reference, and considerations of what cherry wood could look like:
Rich stained cherry cabinet color work well in traditional design.
A medium brown stain that accents the grain for a more earthy feel is another idea.
The classic cherry cabinets can also be paired with elements that provide a more stark modern contrast.
Pro Tip: See also “Best Brown Kitchen Cabinet Ideas”, for other designs with similar colors.
Complementing Cherry Cabinets with Different Elements
The warm undertones of cherry wood pair well with contrasting or complementary colors and textures. With these pairings, you can create an award-winning aesthetic in your kitchen:
Countertops: Light granite/quartz/marble provides a beautiful contrast against the depth of the cherry cabinets. Alternatively, pair cherry wood with a dark granite or soapstone surface for a dramatic, high-end effect.
Backsplashes: For backsplashes, you can use light-colored – or even patterned – tiles for a soft contrast or use charcoal or gray tiles for a dramatic effect.
Floors: Use natural wood or stone textures in a flooring product to help tie the space together. A lighter floor color leads to a modern style and darker flooring will add depth and richness.
Hardware:
Finishes like brushed bronze, matte black, or satin nickel pair well with cherry tones.
Common Questions About Cherry Cabinets
Why are cherry kitchen cabinets a great option?
They have many compelling features—useful style, versatility in finish, and durability. Cherry cabinets have:
Features:
Accept dark stains and glazes well.
Have a fine smooth texture and elegant grain.
Look richer, and deeper as they age.
Work in classic and contemporary styles.
Downsides:
They are affected by sunlight—darker tones may look uneven.
The natural color variations, on the wood, may distract from a visual consistency.
Costly than most wood species.
Not as hard as hickory or oak.
Cherry vs. Oak Cabinets: A Comparison
When choosing between cherry and oak, consider their unique aesthetics, durability, and cost:
Appearance:
Cherry has tighter grain and fewer pores, developing a deeper red hue over time, while oak shows more prominent grain patterns with golden or amber tones.
Durability:
Both are strong, but cherry is less prone to warping or cracking, making it more resilient in humid kitchens.
Cost:
Cherry is typically pricier. Custom designs may run from $500 to $1,500 per linear foot, while semi-custom models offer better affordability.
Versatility:
While oak is favored for rustic or farmhouse kitchens, cherry fits well in modern and transitional spaces.
Why Cherry Wood Remains a Kitchen Favorite
As a luxury hardwood, cherry has been a symbol of elegance and tradition in kitchen design. Its color can vary from soft yellow to deep brown, but the signature reddish tint remains a defining characteristic. Over time, it develops a deeper, more complex color, which is highly valued by homeowners.
Its classic character paired with its versatile ability to fit both contemporary and traditional styles makes it a classic favorite.
Updating Cherry Cabinets For Today
While many think of cherry cabinets as outdated, they are incredibly versatile. With modern minimalist thoughts in mind, cherry wood still pops when paired with simple finishes or mixed materials. The wood patina patina allows it to easily update color tones—wall colors, countertops and hardware—making your kitchen feel current while keeping the naturally aged wood cabinet timeless.
Color Combinations for Cherry Cabinets
Darker stains work well in combination with cooler or neutral wall colors such as gray, beige, or cream.
For natural tone cherry, soft neutral colors such as beige, warm whites or light yellows are helpful in showcasing the warm richness of this wood.
How To Care for Cherry Wood Cabinets
To care for your cherry cabinets, it is best to do periodic gentle cleaning. Gentle cleaning involves wiping away grease or dirt with a soft cloth using mild soap and warm water. Wipe down the cabinets, following the grain of the wood, and dry entirely. For stubborn marks a paste of baking soda or a vinegar-water cleaning solution works well. As always, avoid any harsh cleaners, bleach, or abrasive cleaning tools.
Reasons to Consider Cherry Kitchen Cabinets
Durability: Great resistance to wear and tear, making itperfect for family homes with big kitchens that’re frequented often.
Aesthetic Appeal: It immediately provides warmth, elegance, and sophistication to your kitchen.
Versatility: It can be blended into many different styles of design, classic or modern.
Increase Your Home’s Value: Cherry cabinets can enhance your kitchen’s aesthetic value and resale value, which makes it a wise investment.
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