Prunus avium
European Cherry
A refined cabinet wood with fine, even grain that ages from pinkish-tan to a deep reddish-brown.
Grown commercially in EuropeFamily: Rosaceae
Tree
Native across Europe and into western Asia. Grown in mixed hardwood forests from the UK and France through Germany, Austria, Italy, and the Balkans. Most commercial stock comes from central European yards, often from orchard thinnings or managed woodlots.
Wood appearance
Fine, straight grain with a smooth, even texture. Heartwood opens pinkish-tan to warm salmon, with a paler cream sapwood that is usually distinct. Figure is generally quiet — occasional gum streaks, small pin knots, and the odd ribbon or curl. The headline trait is its colour shift: under light and over a few months, the wood deepens through honey to a rich reddish-brown, and continues to mature for years. Boards stored unevenly will tan unevenly, so rotate stock during storage.
- Fresh heartwood: pinkish-tan to warm salmon
- Pale cream sapwood, usually distinct from heartwood
- Ages through honey to deep reddish-brown over months and years
- Light exposure drives the colour shift — uneven storage gives uneven tan
- Occasional gum streaks and small pin knots
- Quiet figure overall, with the odd ribbon or curl
- Fine, straight grain.
Mechanical properties
| Density (kg/m³) | 550–650 kg/m³ |
|---|---|
| Janka hardness (N) | 4,700–5,500 N |
| MOR: modulus of rupture (MPa) | 95–110 MPa |
| MOE: modulus of elasticity (GPa) | 9.5–11.0 GPa |
| Radial shrinkage | 4.5–5.5 % |
| Tangential shrinkage | 7.5–8.5 % |
| Volumetric shrinkage | 11.5–13.0 % |
| Natural durability (EN 350) | Class 3 — Moderately durable |
Working with it
1 = difficult · 5 = excellent
Easy to work with hand and machine tools. Planes and sands cleanly with sharp edges; gum pockets can clog cutters, so check stock before milling. Glues and screws well. Steam-bending is moderate — workable for gentle curves, less reliable for tight radii. Turns and carves predictably.
- Sawing
- Planing
- Sanding
- Turning
Drying
Dries fairly quickly but is prone to warp, cup, and surface checking if rushed. Sticker carefully and weight the top of the stack. End-seal green stock. Once at EMC, it is stable in service with moderate tangential movement.
Finishing
Sands to a glassy surface at 180–220 grit. Takes oil, hardwax, shellac, and water-based finishes cleanly. A thin seal coat of dewaxed shellac or sanding sealer evens out any blotch on flat-sawn faces before topcoats. Avoid heavy stains — they fight the wood's own colour development. For commissions, expose offcuts to daylight alongside the finished piece so clients can see how the colour will move.
Durability and safety
- Class 3 — Moderately durable
- Food contact safe
Not commonly flagged as a dust sensitiser, and considered food-contact safe once finished appropriately. Standard fine-dust extraction and a mask are still sensible at the sander.
Best uses
- Fine cabinetry and built-ins
- Dining and occasional tables
- Chairs and bench seats
- Boxes, trays, and small casework
- Turned bowls and handles
- Interior architectural joinery
- Musical instrument parts
Pairs and substitutes
Often substituted for
Sourcing and sustainability
- Grown commercially in Europe
- IUCN: LC — Least Concern
Native European hardwood, IUCN Least Concern, no CITES listing. Often sourced from small woodlots and orchard clearance, so volumes per parcel can be modest. Decay class 3 — moderately durable — means it is an interior wood; not for ground contact or unprotected exterior use. Ask for FSC or PEFC chain-of-custody where the project requires it.
Buyer questions
Is European Cherry a good choice for furniture?
European Cherry is best matched to projects such as Fine cabinetry and built-ins, Dining and occasional tables, Chairs and bench seats, Boxes, trays, and small casework, Turned bowls and handles, Interior architectural joinery, Musical instrument parts. The final choice should consider grain, finish, movement allowance, and the room where the piece will live.
How hard is European Cherry?
The listed Janka value is 5,120 N and the density is 600 kg/m³. Use these as comparison signals, not as a guarantee of how a finished surface will wear.
What should I check before buying European Cherry slabs online?
Check measured length, width stations, thickness, drying method, moisture notes, colour variation, defects, and origin. Compare the measured outline against the finished drawing before reserving the slab.
Current stock
European Cherry pieces available now
Get notified about European Cherry
We email you when fresh European Cherry slabs land at KORENA. Each piece is one of one, so early notice matters.
Sources
- The Wood Database(accessed 2026-05-09)
- USDA FPL Wood Handbook FPL-GTR-190 (2010)(accessed 2026-05-09)
- Meier, E. — WOOD! Identifying and Using Hundreds of Woods Worldwide (2015)(accessed 2026-05-09)
