Cherry Wood vs. Mahogany — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 11, 2023
Cherry wood is a reddish-brown hardwood from cherry trees. Mahogany is a rich, dark red-brown tropical hardwood. Both are prized in furniture making, but they have distinct grains and colors.
Difference Between Cherry Wood and Mahogany
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cherry Wood and Mahogany are both esteemed hardwoods frequently employed in furniture, cabinetry, and woodworking. Cherry Wood is derived from cherry trees, primarily found in North America, presenting a fine grain with a reddish-brown hue. Conversely, Mahogany is a tropical hardwood known for its deep reddish-brown tone and straight, uniform grain.
The allure of Cherry Wood lies in its smooth texture and the manner it gracefully ages, taking on a richer color over time when exposed to light. Mahogany, being a denser wood, is celebrated for its durability and resistance to decay, which makes it an ideal choice for high-end furniture and boat-building.
When it comes to workability, Cherry Wood stands out, as it's easier to cut, shape, and sand, making it a favorite among craftsmen. Mahogany, though harder, remains a delight to work with, given its lack of voids and pockets.
Price-wise, both Cherry Wood and Mahogany are considered premium woods. However, genuine mahogany, especially from the Swietenia genus, tends to fetch higher prices, owing to overharvesting and restrictions on its trade.
In essence, while Cherry Wood and Mahogany might bear some visual resemblance in terms of their reddish hues, their origins, grains, working properties, and applications set them apart in the realm of woodworking.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Cherry trees in North America
Tropical regions worldwide
Color
Reddish-brown, darkens with age
Deep reddish-brown
Grain
Fine grain
Straight, uniform grain
Durability
Durable, but less than mahogany
Highly durable and resistant to decay
Price
Premium, usually cheaper than mahogany
Premium, especially genuine mahogany
Compare with Definitions
Cherry Wood
Commonly used in cabinetry and furniture-making.
Many prefer cherry wood for bedroom furniture due to its elegant appearance.
Mahogany
Includes various species, but genuine mahogany is the most sought after.
Genuine mahogany, from the Swietenia genus, fetches a premium price in the market.
Cherry Wood
Known for its reddish-brown color that deepens over time.
Over the years, the cherry wood cabinet took on a deeper shade.
Mahogany
A tropical hardwood known for its deep reddish-brown color.
The mahogany chest had a rich and timeless elegance.
Cherry Wood
Sensitive to light, which impacts its aging process.
The cherry wood desk by the window aged faster due to sunlight exposure.
Mahogany
Features a straight, uniform grain.
The uniform grain of the mahogany made it look seamless and refined.
Cherry Wood
Wood with a fine and smooth grain.
The fine grain of the cherry wood made it ideal for detailed carvings.
Mahogany
Any of several tropical American evergreen trees of the genus Swietenia of the family Meliaceae, especially S. mahagoni and S. macrophylla, valued for their hard, reddish-brown wood.
Cherry Wood
Hardwood derived from cherry trees.
The cherry wood table gleamed with a rich reddish hue.
Mahogany
The wood of any of these trees, used in making furniture and musical instruments.
Mahogany
Any of several trees of the family Meliaceae having similar wood, such as African mahogany.
Mahogany
Any of several trees of other families having similar wood, such as Philippine mahogany.
Mahogany
The wood of any of these trees.
Mahogany
A moderate reddish brown.
Mahogany
(uncountable) The wood of any of various tropical American evergreen trees, of the genus Swietenia, mostly used to make furniture.
Mahogany
(countable) Any of the trees from which such wood comes.
Mahogany
(regional) A Cornish drink made from gin and treacle.
Mahogany
A reddish-brown color, like that of mahogany wood.
Mahogany
A table made from mahogany wood; a dining table.
Mahogany
Made of mahogany.
Mahogany
Having the colour of mahogany; dark reddish-brown.
Mahogany
A large tree of the genus Swietenia (Swietenia Mahogoni), found in tropical America.
Mahogany
The wood of the Swietenia Mahogoni. It is of a reddish brown color, beautifully veined, very hard, and susceptible of a fine polish. It is used in the manufacture of furniture.
Mahogany
A table made of mahogany wood.
Mahogany
Wood of any of various mahogany trees; much used for cabinetwork and furniture
Mahogany
Any of various tropical timber trees of the family Meliaceae especially the genus Swietinia valued for their hard yellowish- to reddish-brown wood that is readily worked and takes a high polish
Mahogany
Prized for its durability and resistance to decay.
Many boat builders choose mahogany for its enduring qualities.
Mahogany
Often used in high-end furniture and musical instruments.
Grand pianos often employ mahogany for its resonant properties.
Common Curiosities
How can I distinguish between mahogany and cherry wood?
While both are reddish, mahogany is darker with a straighter grain; cherry wood darkens uniquely over time.
Why is mahogany more expensive?
Genuine mahogany is rarer due to overharvesting and trade restrictions, pushing up its price.
Can cherry wood be used for flooring?
Yes, cherry wood can be used, but it's softer than other woods like oak or mahogany, making it less resistant to wear.
Why does cherry wood change color?
Exposure to light causes a natural oxidizing process, deepening cherry wood's color.
Is cherry wood suitable for outdoor furniture?
While durable, cherry wood isn't ideal for outdoor use; mahogany fares better due to its decay resistance.
Does cherry wood scratch easily?
Cherry wood is relatively softer than mahogany, so it can be more prone to scratches.
Is all mahogany furniture made from genuine mahogany?
No, many furniture pieces labeled "mahogany" might use similar-looking woods due to genuine mahogany's high cost.
Is mahogany a good choice for musical instruments?
Absolutely, mahogany's resonant properties make it a favorite for guitars and other instruments.
Does cherry wood need special care?
Cherry wood can be sensitive to light, so it's good to rotate items on it or keep it out of direct sunlight to age uniformly.
Can mahogany be stained easily?
Mahogany accepts stains well due to its tight grain, making it versatile for finishes.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
