If you’ve ever run your hand along a piece of cherry wood furniture and admired its rich, reddish hue, you’ve likely wondered where this beautiful material comes from.
At Vermont Woods Studios, cherry wood is one of our favorite hardwoods to work with— and for good reason. It’s strong, sustainable, and just gets better with age.
Let’s take a closer look at the origins of cherry wood, how it grows, and why it’s such a beloved choice for fine furniture.
It Starts With the American Black Cherry Tree
Cherry wood is harvested from the American Black Cherry tree (Prunus serotina), which is native to the eastern United States. While the name might conjure up images of sweet cherries in your summer fruit bowl, this particular species produces small, tart fruit that’s mostly enjoyed by birds and wildlife. For us humans, the real value lies in its lumber.
These trees are known for their straight trunks and fine grain, making them an ideal source of high-quality hardwood. The heartwood—the innermost part of the tree—is where the magic happens. This is the part of the tree that produces the smooth, reddish-brown tones cherry wood is known for.
Where Cherry Wood Grows Best
Although the American Black Cherry tree can be found throughout the eastern half of the U.S., the most prized cherry wood comes from sustainably managed forests in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. These regions offer just the right growing conditions—consistent rainfall, nutrient-rich soil, and seasonal temperature changes—that help the trees grow slowly and develop strong, even grain.
At Vermont Woods Studios, we source our cherry from these responsibly harvested forests. By keeping our materials close to home, we reduce our carbon footprint and support American forestry jobs—all while making sure that the wood we use meets the highest quality standards.
You can learn more about our sustainability practices here.
What Makes Cherry Wood So Special?
One of the things that sets cherry wood apart is how beautifully it ages. When it’s freshly milled, cherry wood starts out as a light pinkish tan. Over time, and with exposure to sunlight and air, it deepens into a rich, reddish-brown with warm undertones. This natural aging process—called oxidation—is part of what makes cherry wood furniture so timeless. Like a good bottle of wine, it only gets better with time.
Cherry also has a fine, straight grain that’s easy to work with, and it occasionally features subtle markings like mineral streaks or small pitch pockets—natural details that add character without compromising durability.
Speaking of durability: cherry wood is dense and strong, yet relatively lightweight compared to other hardwoods. That means it holds up beautifully over the years, whether it’s used in a dining table, bed frame, or heirloom-quality dresser.
Bringing Cherry Wood Into Your Home
At Vermont Woods Studios, every piece of cherry furniture we source is built to order and made to last a lifetime. Whether you’re drawn to its deep color, smooth texture, or the story behind its sustainable origins, cherry wood is always a choice we can get behind.
Ready to surround yourself with the handcrafted beauty of cherry wood? Explore our full collection of cherry wood furniture and find the piece that’s right for you.
Shop Cherry Wood Furniture
