From time to time, we are asked whether cherry wood is suitable for flooring. Most wood floors feature oak or walnut, and the allure of cherry’s exclusivity certainly sparks interest. Understandably, customers consider the pros and cons of this wood before making their purchase. At Wood and Beyond, we have been selling and fitting wood floors for well over 15 years. Discussions with our fitting team about the choice of cherry have revealed a number of interesting advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages Of Cherry Flooring:
- Exclusivity Cherry wood flooring stands out as a premium choice due to its rarity compared to more common woods like oak and walnut. This exclusivity not only adds a unique charm to interiors but also ensures that your flooring is a conversation piece among guests. Cherry’s distinctive, rich colour deepens over time, further enhancing its appeal and ensuring that the floor remains a timeless feature in your home.
- Residual Values Investing in cherry wood flooring can significantly increase the resale value of your property. Because cherry is seen as a luxury material, it can make your home more attractive to prospective buyers should you decide to sell. The lasting beauty and durability of cherry wood can also be a compelling selling point, potentially speeding up the sale process and increasing the final sale price.
- High Sound Absorption Cherry wood flooring is particularly effective at absorbing sound, making it an excellent choice for busy homes or spaces that require a quieter environment. This natural property helps reduce echo and noise levels, contributing to a more serene and comfortable atmosphere in your home or office.
- Stunning Grain Marking Cherry wood is renowned for its beautiful grain patterns, which range from straight to slightly wavy. The fine, smooth grain and warm tones provide a visual softness that enhances any room. Each plank tells its own story with unique markings, ensuring no two floors are exactly alike and adding a bespoke quality to your interior design.
- Resistance to Pest & Fungus Cherry wood is naturally resistant to pests and fungi, making it a durable choice for flooring. This resistance helps protect the wood from many common issues that can affect other types of wood flooring, ensuring your floor remains in excellent condition for years. It’s a practical choice for homes in damp climates or those looking for low-maintenance flooring options.
- Smooth Surface One of the key characteristics of cherry wood flooring is its naturally smooth surface. This makes it easier to clean and maintain, as there are fewer grooves and textures where dust and dirt can accumulate. The smooth finish also contributes to the wood’s luxurious feel underfoot, combining practicality with comfort and style.
- Softer Underfoot Cherry wood flooring offers a softer feel underfoot compared to harder woods like oak. This makes it more comfortable to walk on, particularly in areas where you might often be barefoot, such as bedrooms or living rooms. This softness also adds a layer of insulation, keeping your feet warmer during the colder months and contributing to the overall energy efficiency of your home.
Disadvantages Of Cherry Flooring:
- Isn’t Cost Effective Cherry wood flooring is generally more expensive than other hardwood options such as oak or pine, making it less cost-effective for those on a strict budget. The initial outlay for cherry wood can be substantial, reflecting its exclusivity and desirability. While it may add long-term value to a property, the upfront costs can be prohibitive for some homeowners, making it an important consideration when planning flooring investments.
- Limited Styles While the rich, warm tones of cherry wood are highly sought after, the range of available styles and finishes is somewhat limited compared to more versatile woods like oak. This can pose a challenge for those seeking to match existing interior themes or who prefer a wider variety of choices. The natural characteristics of cherry wood dictate a narrower spectrum of aesthetic options, potentially limiting its suitability for certain design schemes.
- Inconsistent Colours (Darkens With Age) Cherry wood naturally darkens as it ages, a process accelerated by exposure to sunlight. This can lead to inconsistencies in the floor’s colour over time, which might not be ideal for everyone. While some may appreciate the deepening hues as part of the wood’s charm, others may find it difficult to match with furniture and decor over the years. This characteristic requires consideration by those looking for a more uniform appearance in the long term.
- Staining Is Hit and Miss Applying stain to cherry wood can be unpredictable, with results often varying significantly. The wood’s natural properties can lead to uneven absorption of the stain, resulting in blotches or an inconsistent finish. This can be particularly frustrating for those attempting to achieve a specific colour or tone. Professional expertise is usually recommended to minimise issues and achieve the best possible outcome.
- Quicker to Dent and Scratch Cherry wood is softer than many other hardwoods, making it more susceptible to dents and scratches. This can be a significant drawback in high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children. The softness that makes cherry wood comfortable underfoot also makes it less durable under harsh conditions, necessitating more careful consideration of where it might be best employed within a home.
- Easily Shows Dust and Dirt The smooth and often glossy finish of cherry wood flooring can show up dust and dirt more readily than more textured woods. This means that it requires frequent cleaning to maintain its aesthetic appeal, which can be a disadvantage for busy households or those less inclined to frequent maintenance.
- Sensitive to Water Damage Cherry wood is particularly sensitive to water and moisture exposure, which can lead to warping or staining over time. Areas prone to spills or high humidity are not ideal for cherry wood flooring. Proper sealing and careful placement away from moisture sources are critical to preserving the integrity of the floor.
- Requires Professional Installation Due to its softer nature and the precision required in handling, cherry wood flooring often necessitates professional installation. This not only adds to the overall cost but also means that DIY installation is not recommended. The expertise of professionals ensures that the flooring is installed correctly and lasts as long as possible, protecting your investment.
Our Verdict, Is Cherry Wood Flooring Any Good?
Beyond the exclusivity of cherry, we find few compelling reasons to choose this hardwood over more mainstream options. At Wood and Beyond, one of our key priorities is to ensure the longevity of the flooring we sell and install. Cherry wood, with its inherent drawbacks, does not perform as reliably in the long term as oak and walnut, for example. Coupled with its higher price and limited styles, we generally recommend more resilient hardwoods to our customers.
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FAQ
What makes cherry wood flooring a unique choice?
Cherry wood flooring is considered exclusive due to its rarity and the unique deepening of its rich colours over time. This natural darkening enhances the wood’s charm, making each floor a distinctive piece that adds a luxurious feel to any interior.
How does cherry wood flooring impact the resale value of a property?
Cherry wood’s luxurious reputation can significantly boost the resale value of your home. Its durability and aesthetic appeal make it a compelling feature that can attract potential buyers and possibly expedite the selling process.
What are the cleaning and maintenance requirements for cherry wood flooring?
Cherry wood flooring has a smooth surface that simplifies cleaning and maintenance. However, it shows dust and dirt more readily than more textured woods, necessitating frequent cleaning to maintain its glossy finish and aesthetic appeal.
Are there any particular drawbacks to choosing cherry wood flooring?
Cherry wood flooring is more susceptible to dents, scratches, and water damage compared to harder woods like oak. It is also generally more expensive and offers limited styles, which may not suit all decor themes. These factors make it less ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children.
Why might professional installation be necessary for cherry wood flooring?
Due to its softer nature and the precision required during installation, cherry wood flooring typically requires professional fitting. This ensures that the flooring is installed correctly, maximising its lifespan and performance, but it also adds to the overall cost.
