Why Do So Many People Choose Cherry Kitchen Cabinets?

By Scott Dostal, CEO
Kitchen Cabinet Value

 

The most popular kitchen cabinets across all parts of the country are Cherry. Cherry kitchen cabinets are a very popular choice in luxury homes and for high-end kitchen remodeling projects. The price of cherry wood may be a factor in the selection of cherry for these homes, yet the beauty of cherry, as well as its versatility and durability are clearly the primary considerations in the choice.

glazed cherry, kitchen cabinet value

The rich beauty of cherry cabinetry is undeniable.

Cherry has been very popular for furniture, flooring, doors, paneling and cabinetry since the early days of European colonization of the U.S. because it is unique among the hardwoods. Cherry is popular in homes because its color, grain, and propensity for unique curls, streaks, patterns and even an occasional pin knot. Each of these features makes the cherry wood selected for a particular piece of furniture, etc. unique.

Cherry has two inherent characteristics that make it desirable for use in furniture, cabinetry, etc. The first is that the tight grain results in a smooth finish.  Smooth wood is ideal for stains and finishes. Cherry seldom requires stain, however. Protective finishes and waxes are typically applied to achieve either a matte or a glossy finish and to protect the wood. A protective finish is especially appropriate in the kitchen due to potential effects of heat and steam.

The second inherent characteristic of cherry that makes it desirable in the home is its tendency to darken over time when exposed to light. This natural “aging” retains the liveliness of the color and grain of cherry wood.

Because cherry is not the hardest of the hardwoods, it lends itself to carving. For this reason, cherry kitchen cabinets often are used for more design-intensive door styles and for unique carving and decorative moldings in custom cabinetry. However, the natural grain and beauty of the wood also can be showcased in the simpler or more contemporary cabinet door styles.

Cherry cabinetry will bring unique warmth to any kitchen, but it is particularly vibrant in a professional style kitchen with copper or stainless steel appliances, range hood, or other accents. In fact, when all of the characteristics of cherry are taken together, each set of kitchen cabinets takes on a particular personality. This is a highly desirable characteristic in a custom kitchen design when creating something unique is a primary goal.

The natural beauty and warmth of cherry kitchen cabinets are the main reason they are popular with so many people. If a homeowner wants to create a truly unique and beautiful kitchen design, it is hard to beat cherry cabinetry. By working with your cabinetmaker, you can choose special pieces of cherry wood that offer unique characteristics – pin knots, grain, etc. – for specific places in your kitchen. The result will be great beauty, personality, and durability. The result will be well worth the additional cost of cherry kitchen cabinets.

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