Cherry (European)

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Gean, Mazzard, Wild Cherry, Fruit Cherry, Kirsche, Kers, Vogelkirsche (German), Merisier (French),

Durability Notes:
Cherry (European) wood has some durability but is considered non durable and not suited for exterior applications

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Cherry (European) is dependant on a number of factors; the speed in which it is processed after felling and logging, the method of drying and the specific kilns or location (if air dried). Generally the care taken by those processing the wood will have an impact on its drying and seasoning. As an overview; Cherry (European) - dries quickly, but can warp and develop end splits if care is not taken. European Cherry shows medium movement in service. Please note that all wood is liable to move when in service plus there can be dimensional change. The extent of this will depend on; the stability of the species itself, the conditions it is exposed to, the coating, decoration and protection. You will find more information about the suitability of this wood, for any proposed application, by using our interactive system and the filters shown.

Properties:
European Cherry has very good steam-bending characteristics and has medium properties in terms of resistance to shock loads, bending and crushing. European Cherry works well with both hand and machine tools. Cherry can be polished to an excellent finish and also stains well.

Typical Uses:
Furniture, Cabinets, Flooring, Musical Instruments, Carvings, Turnings, Mouldings, Veneers

Moisture Content:
Guide - 10-18% for KD (+/- 2%)

Commonly asked questions about European Cherry Wood

Is European Cherry a hardwood or a softwood? European Cherry is a hardwood. It is the same for; is European Cherry hardwood or softwood? - European Cherry is a hardwood.

Most groups/families of species share the same characteristics but this normally relates to their life as plants. Individual species do not always share the same characteristics as their relatives, in terms of the wood. Many factors influence how we use the wood and what we use it for, including where it grows, how it is forested, how it seasons/dries, etc. The answers to the following common questions, therefore relate to this particular species/wood and not the Cherry family as a whole. Even more specific – our answers relate to the wood (as we know it) in its form as a useable resource.

What colour is European Cherry? European Cherry can be described as brown, dark brown, pink/pale red, red

Is European Cherry good for outdoor use? or is European Cherry good for exterior use? European Cherry is most suited for interior/interior use. European Cherry can be used as an exterior/external timber (without treatment).

Whether the wood is naturally durable or not we would still recommend that it is decorated and/or coated with a suitable product to provide protection and/or maintain its appearance. This even applies when using the wood internally as, even subtle, changes in temperature or humidity will affect the wood. This will depend on the application/purpose of the wood and the user’s desired appearance. We also recommend that a recoating, care and maintenance programme is adhered to, for the life of an exterior wood. Wood cannot rot if it is kept dry – coatings and decoration can provide this protection. All of that said there are many durable timbers that are often left to weather naturally and will last for many years untreated/coated – movement and visual changes will occur but this is sometimes the desired effect. All wood is hygroscopic (it 'wants' to be in tune with its environment) it will therefore take on water from moisture in the air (or when directly exposed to or submerged in water) and ‘release it’ when dry or exposed to heat. This, inevitably, results in movement and dimensional change. For more about moisture in wood please click here - Moisture in wood