Cherry, also called Eastern Black Cherry or American Cherry, is found predominantly in the eastern part of United States: from Georgia up to Maine and west to the Ohio reiver valley. It will grow 60-80ft tall and reach 24”-36” in diameter. Early in Americas history, the tree was looked to for reasons other than woodworking. The inner bark was used by Native Americans for cough medicines and tonics, while the dark purple fruit was used by settlers of the Appalachian region to brew Liquor. Wood workers of the time reported that the cherry resembled true Mahogany and was nick named “New England Mahogany”. This is why Cherry live edge slabs are a great alternative when you don’t want to spend as much on Mahogany.

Freshly cut, Cherry wood will appear very pale with slight pinkish coloring to the heartwood. This is not what we commonly think of when seeing Cherry furniture. Over time, Cherry wood will be exposed to sunlight and UV rays that will darken the wood to the deep and rich brown and red colors we know. This process is oxidation and 80% of the woods color change will happen in the first year.

Cherry wood has been coveted by wood workers in the United States since before the Nation’s founding. It was a favorite wood among the Shakers of New York and New England because of its versatility. It cuts, glues, and takes finishes exceptionally well and is moderately resistant to rot. It is common to find Shaker Style Cherry Kitchen cabinets in many homes. Cherry will also yield a better grade of lumber when compared to a Walnut and other species; growing tall and straight with few defects where Walnut and other species, will have more knots and other imperfections. Today it is common to see Cherry used for millwork, furniture, and cabinets with many saying it’s the best domestic cabinet wood.

George Nakashima and his style of wood working helped launch the Live Edge wood working movement we see today, using live edge wood slabs for tabletops, benches, counter tops and more. Because of its availability, workability, and its beauty, you’ll see Cherry used here as well. Typically, since most cherry won’t get wider that 36”, two slabs are joined together to create a book-match dining room table. This technique can create a dramatic effect with the wood grain pattern and contrasting white sapwood and deep rich colored heartwood.
At Berkshire Products we typically stock close to 200 Cherry Live Edge slabs with many book-match and river table sets available. For more information, please visit our website or call 413-229-7919.
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