Differences Between Maple and Cherry Wood in Furniture Making: Suitability and Aesthetics

Furniture makers often find themselves choosing between maple and cherry wood, two popular hardwoods known for their unique characteristics and suitability for various crafting needs. Understanding the differences in hardness, durability, grain patterns, and aesthetic qualities can help in making informed decisions about which material to use for specific projects.

Hardness and Durability

Maple: Maple is renowned for its hardness and durability, making it an ideal choice for furniture that will undergo heavy use. Its dense grain structure ensures that the wood remains stable and resistant to wear, even under extended periods of use. Maple is also impressively strong, which is why it is commonly used in construction and manufacturing applications that require robust materials.

Cherry: Cherry wood, on the other hand, is appreciated for its rich color and smooth texture. It is known for its ability to develop a deep patina over time, enhancing its visual appeal without needing frequent refinishing. While cherry wood is also durable, it does not match the sheer hardness and longevity of maple.

Aesthetic Qualities

Appearance: Maple often has an almost ethereal quality, with a white or off-white hue that can sometimes appear to have a light source within it. This makes it an excellent choice for contemporary or rustic styles, where a natural, light-filled feel is desired. On the other hand, cherry wood's rich, reddish-brown color adds a warm and inviting atmosphere to any space. The wood can darken over time, which can transform its appearance remarkably, even developing a richer hue as it ages.

Figure: Highly figured maple, such as birdseye, tiger stripe, or quilted maple, is highly desirable and sought after by furniture makers and collectors. These unique patterns can add a stunning visual appeal to furniture, often making each piece of wood a work of art. However, these high-figure woods are rare and typically used sparingly, making them more specialized and limited in availability. Maple can also offer subtle figuring that is still visually appealing and practical for everyday furniture.

Workability and Durability

Maple: Maple is heavier and harder to work with, particularly for those accustomed to less demanding woods like cherry. Its hardness means that it can dull tools more quickly, necessitating the use of higher quality tools. However, experienced woodworkers often find that the satisfaction of working with maple is unparalleled. It is a wood that demands respect and expertise, and when handled properly, can yield stunning results.

Cherry: Cherry, like mahogany and certain walnut woods, is prized for both its visual appeal and ease of working. It is often chosen by woodworkers who prioritize both beauty and practicality. Cherry wood's smooth texture allows it to take both hand and machine cuts with ease, making it ideal for detailed work like dovetail joints, which can be done with relatively simple tools. Despite its popularity, high-end hand tools are still beneficial for achieving the best results when working with cherry.

Sustainability and Market Availability

The availability of maple and cherry wood can vary depending on local markets and sustainability practices. In some regions, maple might be more readily available, while in others, cherry might be more plentiful or even more desirable. Both woods have been the subject of sustainability efforts, with many responsible sourcing practices ensuring that these cherished hardwoods remain available for future generations.

Furniture makers often find that they can always find someone willing to part with their wood, whether it be for aesthetic reasons or practical needs. For instance, in the late 1980s, a chainsaw miller might have excess cherry wood available because they were primarily interested in maple for syrup production. This unpredictability adds an element of serendipity to furniture making, where the right piece of wood can be found, and the right project can be undertaken at the right time.

Conclusion: Both maple and cherry wood have their unique qualities that make them suitable for different types of furniture. While maple is harder, stronger, and more suitable for heavy-use pieces, cherry wood offers a rich finish and ease of working. Understanding these differences can help furniture makers choose the perfect wood for their projects, ensuring both longevity and aesthetic appeal in their creations.

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