CHERRY

Latin name: Prunus

Type of wood: Hardwood

Characteristics:

Cherry wood is popular for furniture making due to its strength and ability to be bent into different shapes. The European species are paler and yellower in colour to the American version, which has a characteristic red shade. Cherry will take wood dyes well and can be polished to a very good finish, though it is advisable to degrease with methylated spirits first.

Uses:

Joinery, furniture, veneers

Advantages:

• durable, long-lasting wood
• attractive colours
• strong
• straight grain

Disadvantages:

• can warp easily if the wood has dried out very quickly