Cherry Hardwood Flooring — Classic Beauty, Naturally Rich
Cherry hardwood flooring is celebrated for its rich color and smooth, fine grain. Known for the way it gracefully darkens over time, cherry brings a sense of warmth and sophistication to interiors. At Cochran’s, we craft cherry flooring in our Berryville, VA shop, offering both solid and engineered options in widths from 3″ to 10″ and lengths from 2′ to 10′. Every board is precision tongue-and-groove milled and end-matched for seamless installation.
Unlike mass-produced cherry flooring, ours is carefully sourced and kiln-dried to highlight the species’ natural beauty. Whether you want the polished refinement of clear-grade boards or the natural variation of character grade, Cochran’s cherry is crafted for those who appreciate timeless elegance.
Why Choose Cherry Hardwood Flooring?
Cherry is prized for the way it evolves with time. Its reddish-brown hue deepens into a lustrous patina, giving spaces a warmth and richness that feels lived-in yet refined. Its smooth grain and subtle texture make it versatile, fitting equally well in traditional homes and modern designs where understated luxury is the goal.
Cherry is especially well-suited for:
Formal living and dining rooms where elegance is a priority.
Traditional interiors that benefit from cherry’s classic warmth.
Projects where a naturally evolving patina is desired as part of the design.
If maximum hardness is the primary concern, species like hickory or oak may be better suited. But for beauty, refinement, and timeless appeal, cherry is unmatched.
Cherry Flooring at a Glance
Before diving into structure and design choices, here’s a summary of the key specifications Cochran’s offers for cherry flooring.
| Attribute | Cochran’s Cherry Offering | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Solid or engineered | Solid planks provide tradition and refinishing potential; engineered offers stability in wider planks or variable environments. |
| Widths | 3″–10″ | Narrow widths for a classic aesthetic; wide planks highlight cherry’s deepening tones. |
| Lengths | 2′–10′ | Longer boards provide fewer seams and a more refined visual flow. |
| Profile | Tongue & groove | Ensures precision and easy installation. |
| End-Matched | Yes | Reduces waste and speeds installation. |
| Finishes | Unfinished · Prefinished (matte, satin, semi-gloss) | Unfinished for full customization; prefinished for convenience and surface protection. |
| Textures | Smooth or custom textures | Smooth for cherry’s natural elegance; textured for added depth or rustic effect. |
| Best Uses | Traditional homes · Formal spaces · Furniture-grade projects | Perfect where warmth and refinement are the desired impression. |
Cherry Structure & Construction
At Cochran’s, cherry flooring is available in both solid and engineered formats:
Solid cherry (3/4″ thick): Ideal for above-grade nail-down installations. Offers the ability to be refinished multiple times and develops a rich patina with age, hallmarks of solid hardwood tradition.
Engineered cherry: Built with a multi-ply core for stability. This makes cherry practical for wide planks, below-grade spaces, or homes with radiant heat systems, while still showcasing its fine grain and deepening color.
All formats are tongue-and-groove milled and end-matched for a professional, lasting installation.
Grades, Texture, and Finish — Shaping the Look of Your Cherry Floors
Your cherry floor’s final look depends on the grade, finish, and texture you select:
Grades: Clear grade highlights cherry’s fine grain and even color, while character grade embraces mineral streaks and variation for a more natural look.
Finishes: Unfinished for total design freedom, or prefinished in matte, satin, or semi-gloss for durable, ready-to-install options.
Textures: Smooth surfaces emphasize cherry’s natural refinement, while custom distressing or hand-scraping can add artisanal charm.
Comparing Cherry to Other Woods
Here’s how cherry compares to the other hardwood species we offer, so you can see its unique role in design and performance.
| Species | Color & Tone | Grain & Appearance | Hardness / Durability | Best Uses |
| White Oak | Light to medium brown, takes stain evenly | Straight grain with ray fleck in live sawn cuts | Very durable, excellent for high-traffic | Residential & commercial, versatile styles |
| European Oak | Slightly lighter, more neutral tones | Wide grain pattern, subtle variation | Strong and stable | Modern builds, wide planks |
| Walnut | Rich chocolate heartwood with pale sapwood | Dramatic contrast, flowing grain | Softer than oak, develops patina | Luxury homes, formal spaces |
| Hickory | Light to reddish brown | Bold grain, high color variation | Extremely hard and durable | Rustic homes, high-use areas |
| Pine | Pale yellow to amber | Knotty, rustic character | Softer, dents easily | Historic restorations, casual spaces |
| Chestnut | Warm medium brown | Open grain, historic appeal | Moderately soft, limited availability | Restoration projects, antique charm |
| Cherry | Reddish brown, darkens with age | Fine, smooth grain | Moderately hard | Traditional interiors, furniture-grade spaces |
| Reclaimed | Varies widely by species and source | Weathered patina, nail holes, saw marks | Depends on original wood type | Sustainable projects, rustic or historic aesthetics |
What Makes Cochran’s Cherry Unique
At Cochran’s, cherry flooring is more than just beautiful wood — it’s a carefully crafted surface designed to grow more elegant with time:
Carefully sourced lumber: We select cherry for consistent grain and the natural luster that deepens as it matures.
Made-to-order milling: Every plank is crafted in Berryville, VA, to your specifications.
Customization: From structure and grade to finish and texture, you have control over the final look.
Craftsmanship: With decades of experience, our team ensures each board highlights cherry’s fine grain and evolving color.
The result is a cherry floor that radiates elegance, becoming richer and more beautiful as the years pass — a hallmark of Cochran’s dedication to authenticity and quality.