Mahogany versus Cherry Wood for Kitchen Cabinets

Many interior design styles are strongly enhanced by dark woods with deep, rich hues. Although many kitchens use light woods or soft-colored paint for an open, airy look, you can’t beat cherry and mahogany for a sense of warmth that’s offset by formality and a sort of gravitas.

Mahogany and cherry are both popular woods for kitchen cabinet installation in NJ, although mahogany is more common in custom cabinetry than off-the-shelf stock cabinets. At first glance, they appear similar: dark woods with a reddish tinge. However, they differ in grain coarseness, price, hardness, and other qualities.

At All One Kitchen, we specialize in kitchen cabinet installation in New Jersey and New York, including tailor-made custom cabinets. When you’re planning your next kitchen renovation project, call us any time for a consultation and a free cost estimate, at 201-731-5146.

Cherry is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets. As the name suggests, it’s the wood of the American black cherry tree. Cherry wood is reddish-brown with a subtle golden luster, and it’s known for becoming deeper and richer with age. The heartwood is darker, while the sapwood is creamy and white. It’s strong, fairly durable, and relatively easy for contractors and carpenters to work with. It takes well to a variety of stains and varnishes, making it relatively versatile.

Cherry grows here in the United States, primarily in the eastern states. This wood is at home in kitchen cabinets for 18th century Colonial homes, but it’s also widely used in modern and contemporary kitchens. Because it’s locally produced, it can often be surprisingly affordable for custom kitchen cabinets in NJ.

Unlike cherry, mahogany wood for kitchen cabinet installation in NJ is imported from tropical regions. Native to Central America and the Carribean, it has a fine, even grain. Like cherry, it’s easy to carve, making it a suitable choice for kitchen cabinets. It darkens over time, but isn’t nearly as photosensitive as cherry. The two woods are very similar in density, as well.

Cost Considerations for Cherry & Mahogany Kitchen Cabinet Installation in NJ and NYC
Cherry and mahogany are both premium woods, and they’re far from being the least expensive choice for cabinets. For this reason, some homeowners use stains or varnishes on less expensive woods, mimicking the look of cherry while keeping costs down. Cherry generally costs about 7-10% more than oak, and 15-25% more than maple; but for many homeowners, its unique appearance and propensity to darken and mellow with age can make the cost worthwhile.

Mahogany is pricier than cherry, considering that it’s imported, and that it’s important for lumber companies to avoid overharvesting the trees. Mahogany is prized for its beauty and durability. Unlike most woods, it doesn’t need wax due to a natural luster. It’s hardness and resistance to damage also makes it long-lasting, and custom mahogany cabinets can last for decades.

Choosing the Right Wood for Custom Kitchen Cabinet Installation
As mentioned, mahogany and cherry are premium woods. When budget isn’t a major concern, your choice of woods will also be affected by the final appearance. Mahogany can be easier to finish than cherry. Its smooth surface takes well to stains and varnishes, and it tends to hold them easily. Cherry can be more difficult to work with in this regard. The colors can differ significantly between heartwood and sapwood, and if improperly stained, it can end up looking uneven a blotchy. It can also lose consistency in its coloration as it darkens from light exposure over time.

Installing Kitchen Cabinets in NJ? Call Us Today!
At All 1 Kitchen, we work with homeowners to plan and execute kitchen design, kitchen cabinet installation, and more for kitchen renovations in NJ. Call us any time for a free consultation and cost estimate, at 201-731-5146.

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