Hey everyone! I'm in the middle of a kitchen remodel and I'm really drawn to the beautiful grain of cherry wood for my cabinet doors. I love its fresh, oiled color and the darker brown shades with reddish undertones seen in many modern cherry cabinets. However, I'm a bit confused about just how dark cherry can actually get over time. I found examples online that showcase a really dark color, and I'm concerned because I don't want that deep 'wine red' look that I've heard can happen with older cabinets. I've read that this color might be artificial due to staining. I came across a blog post stating that a certain project used no stains, only tung oil, which adds to my confusion. Should I expect cherry to turn that dark, no matter what finish I choose? Also, would using cherry veneer make a difference? Is there a specific finish I can request to avoid that dark red shade? I'd really love to use cherry since I haven't found any woods that match its grain and color, but I'm feeling a little lost! Thanks for any advice!
3 Answers
The color change in cherry can depend heavily on both the type of finish used and the level of UV light exposure it receives. If you want to retain a lighter tone, look for finishes that include UV blockers. However, as cherry furniture ages under sunlight, it will still inevitably darken over time. Most pieces I’ve made in cherry still look great after many years; they haven't gone nearly as dark as some might fear!
The final color of cherry really varies. The heartwood darkens to a reddish-brown, while sapwood tends to turn a warm amber. For finishes, most cabinets utilize toners or tints to help even out the wood color, which can help prevent that extreme 'wine red' look you're dreading. If you opt for a DIY approach, consider direct sunlight exposure before installation to achieve a color you're happy with!
Very helpful info! Is it common for plywood with cherry veneer to mainly have sapwood, or is it usually a mix? I'm curious if that would affect the overall look.
Cherry wood certainly darkens with age, especially if it's exposed to sunlight. Generally, expect it to take about 10-20 years to reach that deep burgundy color, depending on the light in your space. If that worries you, consider opting for a different wood like maple or oak, which are more stable in color over time. Personally, I avoid stains because they can complicate matching the wood’s natural tones, but cherry's color change is part of its charm!
Got it! I’ve looked into a lot of options but cherry is my favorite due to its unique characteristics. I’m a bit limited by budget, but I want to figure it out because I love the different stages of color cherry can go through.
Thanks for that! Would Alder or Maple be solid alternatives if I want to keep the medium brown tones? I have access to those but I’m a bit worried about the rustic look of Alder.