Maple vs. Cherry Wood — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 16, 2023
Maple is a hard, light-colored wood, often with a subtle grain, while Cherry Wood is a rich reddish-brown wood that darkens with age and showcases a fine, straight grain.
Difference Between Maple and Cherry Wood
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Maple and Cherry Wood are both popular choices in the woodworking and furniture industry, but for different reasons.
Maple, derived from the maple tree, is known for its durability and light color. Its subtle grain pattern can be both wavy or curly, making it a versatile choice for various projects. It's often utilized for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry due to its resilience. Cherry Wood, on the other hand, originates from the cherry tree and boasts a beautiful reddish-brown hue. One of its defining features is the way it darkens gracefully over time when exposed to light, giving pieces made from it a distinct and elegant aging process.
Moreover, Cherry Wood has a fine, straight grain, which many find aesthetically pleasing. While Maple is admired for its hardness, Cherry Wood is sought after for its aesthetic appeal.
Comparison Chart
Color
Light, often pale with slight yellowish tint.
Reddish-brown, darkens gracefully over time.
Grain
Subtle, can be wavy or curly.
Fine and straight.
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Durability
Hard and durable.
Moderately hard, less durable than maple.
Aging
Doesn't change significantly over time.
Darkens with age, especially when exposed to light.
Usage
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry.
High-end furniture, cabinetry, decorative pieces.
Compare with Definitions
Maple
Maple is a type of hardwood.
The table made of Maple stood firm and durable.
Cherry Wood
Cherry Wood is prized for its aesthetic appeal.
The artisan chose Cherry Wood for the decorative pieces.
Maple
Maple has a light color with a subtle grain.
The Maple desk showcased a gentle wavy grain.
Cherry Wood
Cherry Wood showcases a fine, straight grain.
The Cherry Wood bookcase highlighted a beautiful straight grain pattern.
Maple
Maple is commonly used for flooring and cabinetry.
The kitchen boasted beautiful Maple cabinets.
Cherry Wood
Cherry Wood has a reddish-brown hue.
The dining set made of Cherry Wood was a masterpiece.
Maple
Maple is derived from the maple tree.
The Maple trees in the yard are tapped for syrup.
Cherry Wood
Cherry Wood originates from the cherry tree.
The Cherry Wood logs came from the cherry orchard.
Maple
Any of various chiefly deciduous trees or shrubs of the genus Acer of the Northern Hemisphere, having opposite, usually palmate leaves and fruits consisting of paired seeds attached to long wings.
Cherry Wood
Cherry Wood darkens gracefully over time.
The Cherry Wood dresser had darkened over the years, adding to its charm.
Maple
The wood of any of these trees, especially the hard, close-grained wood of the sugar maple, often used for furniture and flooring.
Maple
The flavor of the concentrated sap of the sugar maple.
Maple
A tree of the genus Acer, characterised by its usually palmate leaves and winged seeds.
Maple
The wood of such a tree, prized for its hardness and attractive appearance
Maple
A tree of the genus Acer, including about fifty species. Acer saccharinum is the rock maple, or sugar maple, from the sap of which sugar is made, in the United States, in great quantities, by evaporation; the red maple or swamp maple is Acer rubrum; the silver maple, Acer dasycarpum, having fruit wooly when young; the striped maple, Acer Pennsylvanium, called also moosewood. The common maple of Europe is Acer campestre, the sycamore maple is Acer Pseudo-platanus, and the Norway maple is Acer platanoides.
Maple
Wood of any of various maple trees; especially the hard close-grained wood of the sugar maple; used especially for furniture and flooring
Maple
Any of numerous trees or shrubs of the genus Acer bearing winged seeds in pairs; north temperate zone
Maple
Maple is known for its durability.
Opting for Maple ensured the shelf's long life.
Common Curiosities
Is Cherry Wood more expensive than Maple?
Often, Cherry Wood is more expensive due to its aesthetic appeal and color.
For which applications is Maple preferred?
Maple is commonly used for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry.
Where does Maple wood come from?
Maple wood is derived from the maple tree.
How does Cherry Wood change over time?
Cherry Wood darkens gracefully when exposed to light over time.
Which is heavier, Maple or Cherry Wood?
Generally, Maple is denser and can be heavier than Cherry Wood.
Which wood is harder, Maple or Cherry Wood?
Maple is typically harder and more durable than Cherry Wood.
Is Cherry Wood suitable for outdoor furniture?
While Cherry Wood can be used outdoors, it should be protected and maintained to avoid premature wear.
Does Cherry Wood scratch easily?
Cherry Wood is moderately hard; while it resists scratches, it can be scratched more easily than harder woods like Maple.
Which wood is better for carving?
Both can be used, but Cherry Wood is often preferred for detailed carving due to its fine grain.
How should I care for Maple furniture?
Maple furniture can be cleaned with a damp cloth and should be protected from extreme temperatures.
Why is Maple wood often chosen for bowling alleys?
Due to its hardness and durability, Maple is an ideal choice for bowling alley lanes.
Is the grain of Cherry Wood very pronounced?
Cherry Wood has a fine, straight grain which is usually consistent.
Can both Maple and Cherry Wood be stained?
Yes, both woods accept stains well, though they absorb and showcase stains differently.
How long do Maple trees take to mature?
Maple trees can take several decades to mature fully.
What is the typical color of freshly cut Cherry Wood?
Freshly cut Cherry Wood is often a light pinkish-brown, which darkens to a deeper reddish-brown over time.
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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.
