Since I feel that it’s very important that you take the time to research the various material choices available before commissioning a piece of furniture, I often use my design blog to highlight some hardwoods that you might want to consider using.

Source: NH Furniture Master Aurelio Bolognesi

As a fine furniture maker in Boston, I’ve worked with a variety of materials over the years, but wanted to take a moment to touch on Black Cherry.

We often see Black Cherry used in fine furniture making, as well as to build cabinetry, moldings, millwork, flooring, boat interiors, and medical instruments. It’s a very high-end and desirable material, much due to the durability and beauty that it offers.

Black Cherry is distinguishable by its reddish-brown heartwood that has a tendency to darken with age. It’s creamy white sapwood provides a nice contrast. The wood itself is generally straight grain with a  smooth texture.

Fine furniture craftsmen will agree that Black Cherry machines well, handles nails and glue well, and can be sanded to a gorgeous smooth finish. The toolbox I use every day is made of cherry.

If you’re interested in learning more about Black Cherry, please feel free to contact me, Richard Oedel, fine furniture maker in Boston. I’ve worked with this material often over the years and would be more than happy to answer any questions that you have.

I also encourage you to check out my online gallery to see some of the custom pieces of furniture that I have made to get a better idea of the style and quality of furniture that I have created.