Walnut vs. Cherry: Which Premium Hardwood Fits Your Aesthetic (and Budget)?

When you're investing in custom furniture or cabinetry, the type of wood you choose isn't just about durability—it's about identity. Walnut and cherry are two of the most coveted domestic hardwoods, known for their beauty, character, and timelessness. But when it comes to choosing between them, many homeowners and designers find themselves torn.

At Shaking Quakie Woodworks, we work with both species regularly and understand the nuanced differences between them. This guide will walk you through how walnut and cherry compare in aesthetics, durability, workability, cost, and more—so you can choose the hardwood that best fits your space and your story.

The Showdown Begins: Walnut vs. Cherry

These two hardwoods both sit at the top tier of American lumber options. They're prized for their appearance, strength, and heirloom potential. But they’re not interchangeable. Let’s explore why.

1. Aesthetic: The Look and How It Ages

Walnut:
Walnut is known for its deep, rich brown tones and striking grain variation. Freshly milled walnut can show shades from chocolate brown to espresso, sometimes with purple or gray undertones. Its grain can be straight, wavy, or even curly depending on the cut, which adds a dynamic look without overpowering a room.

Over time, walnut lightens slightly with sun exposure, mellowing into a more golden-brown tone. The change is subtle but noticeable over the years.

Cherry:
Cherry starts out light—typically a soft pinkish-red with golden undertones—but darkens significantly over time. Exposure to sunlight causes cherry to deepen into a rich, reddish-brown hue that’s warm, inviting, and uniquely elegant.

Its grain is typically straight and fine, with subtle “cat’s paw” figure and a silkier texture than walnut.

Winner – Visual Drama: Walnut
Winner – Timeless Warmth: Cherry

2. Durability & Hardness

When it comes to long-term performance, both woods are dependable—but slightly different in resilience.

• Walnut has a Janka hardness rating of 1,010. That makes it relatively strong while still being workable. It resists warping and handles humidity changes well, making it ideal for tables, cabinetry, and accent pieces.
• Cherry has a Janka rating of 950, slightly softer than walnut. It can be more prone to dents or scratches in high-traffic or kid-friendly areas, but it remains a top choice for fine furniture, especially pieces meant to develop patina.

Both woods are suitable for heirloom-quality furniture, but if you're building something like a kitchen table that will take a beating, walnut has a slight edge.

Winner – Overall Strength: Walnut

3. Workability: What It’s Like to Build With

From a builder’s perspective, both species are a dream to work with.

• Walnut machines cleanly, sands smooth, and holds detail beautifully. It can be brittle at times, so care is needed on tight joints and thin profiles. It accepts a variety of finishes, from natural oils to polys.
• Cherry is incredibly smooth under blade and hand tools. It’s a favorite for joinery and carving due to its forgiving nature. However, cherry can burn during cutting if tools aren’t sharp and speeds aren’t watched closely.

Cherry also darkens unevenly under certain finishes—so if uniformity is important, finishing takes a skilled touch.

Winner – Builder's Favorite: Tie

4. Finish & Patina

Both walnut and cherry respond beautifully to oil-based finishes, hardwax oils, and natural sealers.

• Walnut often benefits from clear, matte finishes that highlight the dark grain without adding gloss.
• Cherry can darken beautifully under a natural oil finish, developing a deep amber tone over time.

If you love the look of furniture that ages like fine wine, cherry’s patina is unmatched. Walnut, on the other hand, is great for those who want a consistent tone that will stay closer to its original shade.

Winner – Long-Term Glow-Up: Cherry

5. Cost & Availability

Now let’s talk budget. Both are premium woods, but pricing does vary.

• Walnut is typically more expensive than cherry—sometimes significantly. This is due to slower growth, lower yields, and high demand for its dark tones. Expect to pay a premium for wide, clear walnut boards.
• Cherry is still high-end, but slightly more affordable and more widely available in the U.S. It offers exceptional value if you're looking for a long-term investment without going into exotic hardwood territory.

Also consider: cherry’s lighter starting tone means it’s less likely to show small dings or surface wear early on—another “value” benefit over time.

Winner – Best Budget Luxury: Cherry

6. Design Style Compatibility

• Walnut plays well in modern, industrial, or transitional settings. It’s a favorite in mid-century furniture for its sleek lines and bold contrast against white or metal accents. Want something moody and dramatic? Walnut’s your wood.
• Cherry feels more at home in traditional, rustic, or farmhouse-inspired spaces. Its warmth invites comfort and nostalgia—making it a go-to for dining rooms, libraries, and bedrooms.

That said, both can be styled across genres with the right design. We’ve used cherry in minimalist homes and walnut in log cabins. It’s all about balance and intent.

Winner – Style Versatility: Tie

What Our Clients Choose (and Why)

At Shaking Quakie, we help clients select materials based on how the piece will function, feel, and age.

• For statement dining tables, walnut often wins—especially in open-plan homes where contrast and presence matter.
• For bookshelves, vanities, or dressers, cherry delivers character with a softer glow, especially in spaces with warm lighting.
• For budget-conscious clients who still want elegance and longevity, cherry hits a sweet spot.
• For luxury commissions or heirloom builds, walnut remains the gold standard.

Final Word: Choose What Feels Right

There’s no wrong answer between walnut and cherry—just different stories, tones, and values. One is dark and dramatic, the other warm and evolving. One is bolder. One is more forgiving. Both are beautiful. Both are built to last.

If you’re still not sure which wood suits your style (or your space), we’d love to help you explore samples, sketches, and design mockups that bring it all to life.