Cherry vs. Alder Wood: Which is Right for Your Project?

Every woodworking project depends on one crucial element: the wood you choose. Many options are available, but cherry and alder stand out as popular choices, especially for furniture and decorative projects. They offer unique characteristics that make them a highly versatile option.

Though both are valuable materials, they differ significantly in many ways, including durability, appearance, and cost. Here’s a look at both wood varieties so you can determine which wood species is right for your next project.

What Is Cherry Wood?

Cherry wood is a premium hardwood that’s been used to make furniture for centuries. Its rich, reddish-brown color deepens and develops a beautiful patina over time, making it a classic, long-lasting choice — and a particular favorite for high-end furniture pieces.

Cherry wood has a moderate Janka hardness score of 950. This makes it durable enough to withstand daily use but still relatively easy to work with. This wood also has a smooth, straight grain with the occasional knot, which just adds to its uniqueness.

Cherry wood is commonly used to make table legs, decorative corbels, and premium furniture components. No matter what your specific project is, though, cherry is excellent whenever you need a wood that offers both durability and visual appeal.

What Is Alder Wood?

Alder wood is considered a more budget-friendly hardwood that boasts impressive versatility. It has a light tan to reddish color and a uniform appearance, so it’s worth looking at for various design styles.

Alder is softer than cherry, with a Janka hardness score of 590. This makes it easier to cut, sand, and stain than cherry wood. In many ways, it’s the ideal hardwood for DIY enthusiasts or those new to woodworking.

Alder wood has a smooth, straight grain and takes stains and finishes exceptionally well. Though it’s a fantastic option for new woodworkers, its adaptable nature means that more proficient woodworkers can manipulate alder to mimic more expensive woods, including cherry, without spending nearly as much on materials.

Alder wood is more suitable for rustic furniture with a relaxed or casual look. It’s also an incredible choice for larger projects, like kitchen island posts and cabinetry. It allows homeowners to have beautiful wood features without worrying about overspending.

Comparing Alder vs. Cherry Wood

In case you’re still not quite sure which is right for your next project, here is a clearer breakdown of the differences between cherry and alder wood. It will help you understand how to decide between alder vs. cherry wood in varying woodworking applications.

This table is useful at a glance, but there is more to each feature that’s worth delving into if you still aren’t sure which to choose.

Durability and Hardness

Thanks to its higher Janka score of 950, cherry wood is more durable. It is more resistant to dents and scratches, making it a better option for high-use pieces like tabletops that are more susceptible to wear and tear.

Alder wood, in contrast, is softer and better suited for lighter-use decorative projects. It won’t hold up nearly as well as cherry wood in some applications. Still, it’s certainly worth using in DIY projects where ease of use is essential.

Appearance and Aging

Cherry wood is beloved for how much it deepens in color and beauty over time. That’s the primary reason it's so sought after for fine furniture pieces. Alder wood doesn’t have such a dramatic color change, but that consistency can also be a bonus. It’s also easy to stain alder to look similar to cherry without the higher ticket price.

Workability

Cherry wood has excellent workability and holds finishes well but requires care when cutting to avoid burning. This makes it a favorite among more experienced woodworkers looking to take advantage of its ability to create intricate designs and finishes.

Alder’s claim to fame is its ease of use: cutting, sanding, and staining are all much less complicated. The forgiving nature of alder wood makes for a smoother crafting experience.

Cost

Cherry wood is considered a premium hardwood, so it’s more expensive, with the trade-off being its greater aesthetic appeal and durability. Cherry is an investment that pays off in the long run, especially for furniture that you want to last a lifetime.

Alder wood is more affordable but can still offer a beautiful finish. The budget-friendliness of this wood makes it an excellent choice for large-scale projects where homeowners want the beauty of real wood without blowing their budgets.

Best Applications for Cherry Wood

Cherry wood’s elegance and durability make it an excellent choice for high-traffic and visually impactful projects. Common uses include:

• Dining Tables: A centerpiece that combines beauty with the strength to handle daily use.

• Cabinetry: Adds a sophisticated touch to kitchens or living spaces.

• Heirloom Furniture: Ideal for pieces intended to last generations, such as beds, desks, or dressers.