Cherry
Overview
Cherry — a premium hardwood with beautiful reddish-brown tones that deepen with laser heat. Engraves dark with rich color variation that highlights the natural grain. Denser than basswood — needs higher power settings.
Properties
Difficulty
beginner
Flexibility
rigid
Enclosure
no
Dry Storage
no
Pros
- Beautiful rich color darkens with age
- Fine consistent grain
- Excellent for detailed engraving
- Premium hardwood appearance
- Takes finish exceptionally well
- Good strength-to-weight ratio
Cons
- More expensive than maple or birch
- Can blotch with some finishes
- Color darkens unevenly over time
- Harder than softwoods — requires more power
- Can burn if laser power is too high
Best For
- Personalized gifts
- cutting boards
- fine keepsakes
- wedding items
- premium signs
Avoid For
- Budget projects (expensive wood)
- very thin pieces
Storage
No special storage needed. Keep dry and flat. Cherry darkens naturally over time with light exposure.
Laser Compatibility
Cherry engraves to deep reddish-brown contrast. CO2: engrave 350mm/s 40W, cut 3mm 120mm/s 70W. Diode: engrave 400mm/s 90%. Premium results for gifts and signage. Mask surface to prevent smoke staining.
Brands
WoodcraftBell Forestlocal hardwood dealers