Cherry
Cherry is a natural hardwood prized for its rich color, smooth grain, and the beautiful patina it develops over time. Because it is a natural material, every piece is unique. Variations in color, grain, and natural characteristics are expected and are considered part of the beauty of genuine cherry.
Meridian Products carefully selects material that meets our quality standards while preserving the natural character of the wood.
Color Variation
Moderate color variation is a normal characteristic of Cherry.
Individual components may vary in shade due to:
- Natural heartwood variation
- Tree growth patterns
- Milling orientation
- Exposure to light over time
Cherry will naturally darken and become richer with age and sunlight exposure.
Natural Grain Characteristics
Cherry exhibits a wide variety of natural grain patterns. Customers should expect:
- Straight grain
- Rift grain
- Curly or burl figure (limited in size)
- Flame or tiger figure
- Quarter-sawn medullary rays
- Flecking
These characteristics are considered natural and enhance the uniqueness of each product.
Natural Wood Features
Natural mineral streaks are acceptable provided they do not dominate the appearance of the finished panel.
Small pin knots and clusters of pin knots are acceptable when they remain a minor visual feature and do not dominate the overall appearance.
Small worm tracks and vine marks may occur in limited quantities when they blend naturally with the surrounding wood.
Natural pitch pockets may occur throughout Cherry. Where necessary, pitch pockets may be professionally filled with color-matched wood filler to maintain structural integrity and appearance.
Panel Construction
Our solid wood panels are carefully assembled to maximize stability while maintaining a natural appearance.
Customers should expect:
- Natural variation in stave widths
- Grain transitions between individual staves
- Well-matched joints that provide an overall solid wood appearance
Each joint is evaluated to ensure the grain blends naturally across adjoining pieces.
Sapwood
Cherry Regular is manufactured primarily from heartwood. Visible sapwood is not permitted on the face of panels. Minor sapwood exposure may occasionally be visible in machined areas when it is subtle and does not detract from the overall appearance.
Stain Characteristics
One naturally occurring stain up to approximately 2" × 2" may be present on a standard-sized panel. Sticker stain is not permitted.
Reverse Side
The back side of components is intended to be functional rather than decorative.
Natural variation in grain, color, and appearance is acceptable on the reverse side and should be expected.
What Makes Cherry Unique
Cherry is one of the most dynamic hardwood species available.
As your cabinetry ages you can expect:
- Color to deepen naturally
- Contrast between light and dark areas to soften
- Exposure to sunlight to accelerate the natural aging process
- Each door and panel to develop its own unique character
These changes are normal and are one of the reasons Cherry remains one of the most sought-after hardwoods.
Quality Standards
To ensure every component meets Meridian Products’ quality standards, the following conditions are not permitted:
- Rot
- Structural cracks
- Open worm holes
- Checking
- Pick-out
- Tear-out
Every Cherry component is carefully inspected to ensure it meets Meridian Products’ quality standards. We combine material grading with expert craftsmanship to highlight the natural beauty of Cherry while providing the consistency expected from the selected grade.
Natural Wood Disclaimer
Wood is a product of nature. Variations in color, grain pattern, mineral streaks, knots, sapwood, heartwood, and other naturally occurring characteristics are inherent to solid hardwood and are not considered manufacturing defects. No two pieces will be exactly alike, making every project uniquely beautiful.
While Meridian Products carefully grades and inspects every component to meet the standards of the selected material grade, natural variation should be expected and appreciated as part of the character and beauty of genuine wood.