Cherry Kitchen Cabinets: Everything You Need to Know

Cherry kitchen cabinets are a timeless choice, bringing warmth, elegance, and a touch of luxury to kitchens. Known for their beautiful red-brown tones, cherry wood has been a staple in traditional designs for centuries. This popular hardwood is harvested from the American Black Cherry tree and is celebrated for its strength, durability, and distinctive aging process. Below, we’ll cover the essential details about cherry cabinets, from their characteristics and finishes to cost, style ideas, and care tips.

Characteristics of Cherry Wood

Cherry wood is a closed-grain hardwood with a smooth texture and diverse grain patterns that range from pin knots to curls and gum streaks. Its colors vary from light brown to rich reddish-brown, and it darkens over time, especially with exposure to natural light. This color evolution gives cherry cabinets a unique charm, making each kitchen one-of-a-kind.

Tip: If your kitchen has plenty of sunlight, expect cherry wood to darken faster. Choose a hue that you’ll enjoy as it deepens with age.

Key Characteristics:

• Smooth, closed-grain texture
• Red-brown tones that deepen over time
• Strong and moderately hard, offering good shock resistance
• Versatile enough for traditional and modern styles

Cherry Wood Finishes

Cherry wood is highly adaptable to various finishes, allowing homeowners to personalize their cabinets. Whether you choose a natural oil finish or a deep cherry glaze, cherry wood sets to a smooth, polished finish that enhances its warm tones.

Popular Finish Options:

• Natural Oil Finish: A tung or linseed oil finish highlights cherry’s natural hue and allows it to age gracefully.
• Glazed Finish: A glaze over darker stains adds depth and protects the wood as it matures. This is ideal for traditional kitchens.
• Varnish Finish: A varnish seals the wood and offers a glossy look, providing extra durability.

Tip: While cherry wood can handle various stains, a natural or varnished finish is recommended to capture its true character.

Cost of Cherry Kitchen Cabinets

Cherry wood tends to be more expensive than other hardwoods, costing about 15-25% more than materials like oak or maple. However, its durability and unique aesthetic make it a worthwhile investment. For a more budget-friendly option, consider ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets in a cherry finish, available in materials like maple or birch.

Budget Tips:

• Start with a kitchen design layout to plan your renovation and estimate costs.
• Use an online kitchen remodel estimator to help calculate expenses for demo work, custom installation, and other project needs.

Cherry Kitchen Cabinet Style Ideas

Cherry cabinets work beautifully in various kitchen styles, from cozy and rustic to sleek and modern. Here are some popular design ideas for inspiration:

1. Traditional Dark Cherry Cabinets with Granite Countertops: For a classic, elegant kitchen, pair rich cherry cabinets with granite countertops and silver or brass hardware.
2. Natural Cherry Cabinets with White Countertops: Highlight cherry’s natural grain with a lighter stain and pair with white or cream countertops for a warm, inviting look.
3. Modern Cherry Cabinets with Black Accents: Sleek hardware and dark countertops give cherry cabinets a modern twist without losing their warmth.
4. Rustic Cherry Cabinets with Open Shelving: Combine natural cherry cabinets with open wood or metal shelving to achieve a rustic, farmhouse feel.
5. Minimalist Cherry Cabinets: Opt for a simple design with cherry cabinets and subtle hardware for a clean, modern kitchen.

Cherry Wood Kitchen Cabinets FAQs

What are the pros and cons of cherry wood cabinets?

Pros:

• Takes various finishes well, especially dark stains
• Smooth, close-grained wood with unique color variations
• Color deepens over time, adding to its appeal
• Easy to work with and mold to different styles

Cons:

• Sunlight exposure may cause color changes
• Color variations can make matching difficult
• One of the more expensive cabinet woods
• Less resilient than hardwoods like oak or hickory

Is cherry wood suitable for kitchen cabinets?

Absolutely. Cherry wood is durable, versatile, and ages beautifully, making it a popular choice for kitchens.

Are cherry kitchen cabinets out of style?

No, cherry cabinets remain a classic choice due to their versatile color and natural beauty. Whether you’re going for a rustic, traditional, or modern kitchen, cherry wood can fit any aesthetic.

What flooring pairs well with cherry cabinets?

Cherry wood pairs well with various flooring options. For a cohesive, traditional look, choose darker wood floors. Light wood or neutral tiles work well to brighten the space.

What colors complement cherry cabinets?

For darker cherry cabinets, cool or neutral wall colors like cream or light gray create a balanced look. For lighter, natural cherry tones, warm neutrals like beige or soft yellows complement beautifully.

How should I care for cherry wood cabinets?

To keep cherry cabinets looking their best:

• Wipe them regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and rough cloths that can damage the finish.
• For tough stains, use a gentle baking soda and water paste.

Get Started with Cherry Cabinets from US Kitchen Cabinets

Choosing cherry cabinets is a long-term investment in beauty, durability, and timeless style. At US Kitchen Cabinets, we offer a variety of high-quality cabinetry options to bring your dream kitchen to life. Whether you’re looking for custom cherry wood cabinets or cost-effective alternatives with cherry finishes, we’re here to help. Visit our website or contact us to explore more kitchen design ideas and expert advice.