Walnut Wood vs. Cherry Wood — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 18, 2023
Walnut Wood is dark, strong, and fine-grained; Cherry Wood is reddish-brown, smooth, and ages to a richer hue.
Difference Between Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Walnut Wood is a hardwood that originates primarily from trees belonging to the genus Juglans. It is known for its dark, rich hues that can range from a light brown to deep chocolate. Cherry Wood, on the other hand, comes from trees of the genus Prunus and has a reddish-brown tone which deepens with age. Both woods are popular choices for furniture and cabinetry.
Walnut Wood boasts a fine, straight grain and is highly durable. It's often used for gunstocks, flooring, and high-end furniture. Cherry Wood, in contrast, has a smooth texture and a straight grain, making it perfect for crafting delicate pieces, such as intricate cabinets or musical instruments.
Walnut Wood's dark and elegant appearance can lend a sense of sophistication to any piece. Its color can vary, but it typically maintains a deep, rich hue. Cherry Wood, however, starts with a fresh, reddish-brown look and over time, exposure to light deepens its color, giving it a mature, rich patina.
The cost of Walnut Wood can be higher due to its demand and the tree's slower growth rate. Cherry Wood is somewhat more affordable, but its price can vary based on the wood's quality and source. Regardless, both woods represent luxury and are sought after for their beauty and durability.
In terms of workability, Walnut Wood can be slightly challenging because of its hardness but finishes well. Cherry Wood is relatively easy to work with, responding well to tools, and takes stains and finishes beautifully. Both woods have a warmth that adds character and richness to any room or project.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
From the genus Juglans
From the genus Prunus
Color
Dark brown to deep chocolate
Reddish-brown, deepens with age
Grain & Texture
Fine, straight grain
Smooth, straight grain
Popular Uses
Gunstocks, flooring, furniture
Cabinets, musical instruments
Aging
Maintains a consistent hue
Gains a richer hue over time
Compare with Definitions
Walnut Wood
Often features a fine, straight grain.
The straight grain of this Walnut Wood floor gives a sense of order to the space.
Cherry Wood
A reddish-brown wood that ages to a deeper hue.
The Cherry Wood dresser has deepened in color over the years, becoming even more beautiful.
Walnut Wood
A premium choice for its sophistication and durability.
When investing in a new desk, I opted for Walnut Wood because of its long-lasting quality.
Cherry Wood
Appreciated for its smooth texture and fine grain.
The fine grain of the Cherry Wood table makes it a centerpiece in our dining area.
Walnut Wood
Has a rich color spectrum from light brown to deep chocolate.
The dark shade of this Walnut Wood cabinet sets it apart in the room.
Cherry Wood
Popular in crafting cabinets and musical instruments.
For my new violin, I chose Cherry Wood for both its beauty and acoustic properties.
Walnut Wood
A hardwood known for its dark hues.
This table is made of premium Walnut Wood, adding elegance to our living room.
Cherry Wood
Known for its easy workability and finishing qualities.
The carpenter preferred working with Cherry Wood for the intricate detailing of the project.
Walnut Wood
Popular for high-end furniture due to its strength.
For a lasting piece, consider using Walnut Wood for your custom bookshelf.
Cherry Wood
Sourced from trees of the genus Prunus.
This guitar, made of Cherry Wood, produces a warm and rich sound.
Common Curiosities
Which wood is known for its fine, straight grain?
Both Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood have a fine, straight grain, but Walnut Wood is darker and more pronounced.
Are Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood hardwoods?
Yes, both Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood are considered hardwoods.
How do Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood respond to staining and finishing?
Both woods take stains and finishes beautifully, but Cherry Wood is particularly known for its easy workability and finishing qualities.
Which wood darkens more with age?
Cherry Wood deepens to a richer hue with age, while Walnut Wood maintains a more consistent hue over time.
Where do Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood originate?
Walnut Wood comes primarily from trees of the genus Juglans, while Cherry Wood comes from the genus Prunus.
What is the primary difference in color between Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood?
Walnut Wood typically has dark brown to deep chocolate hues, while Cherry Wood is reddish-brown and deepens with age.
How do Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood compare in terms of hardness?
Both are hardwoods, but Walnut Wood is slightly harder than Cherry Wood.
Are there any special care instructions for Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood furniture?
Both woods benefit from regular dusting and occasional polishing. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading, especially for Cherry Wood which can darken.
Which wood is more expensive, Walnut Wood or Cherry Wood?
Walnut Wood generally tends to be more expensive than Cherry Wood, but prices can vary based on quality and source.
What are popular uses for Walnut Wood in furniture?
Walnut Wood is popular for gunstocks, flooring, and high-end furniture pieces.
Can I mix Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood in the same room?
Absolutely! Mixing Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood can create a balanced contrast and add depth to a room's design.
Can both Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood be used for flooring?
Yes, both Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood can be used for flooring, offering durability and aesthetic appeal.
Is Cherry Wood a good choice for musical instruments?
Yes, Cherry Wood is often used for musical instruments because of its smooth texture and acoustic properties.
How do Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood respond to carving and detailing?
Both woods carve well, but Cherry Wood is especially known for its easy workability in intricate detailing.
Are Walnut Wood and Cherry Wood sustainable choices?
Sustainability can vary based on sourcing. It's best to look for certifications or buy from responsible suppliers when choosing either Walnut Wood or Cherry Wood.
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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.
