Maple vs. Cherry Hardwood Flooring

Maple and Cherry trees produce exceptionally stunning hardwood floors. The red tones of Cherry hardwood are renowned for the way they complement the traditional decor, while Maple produces elegant planks with light and neutral colors that are perfect for contemporary interior design.

But beyond coloration, what are the differences in Maple vs. Cherry flooring?  Let’s compare Cherry and Maple flooring pros and cons to see which of these hardwoods might be best for your next installation.

The lustrous red tones of Cherry hardwood flooring

American Cherry wood flooring is prized for its rich, red tones that matured to a burnished auburn color. Cherry floorboards include both darker hues and lighter golden reds, along with subtle but distinctive flowing grain patterns that offer an understated elegance. The color of a Cherry floorboard will darken over time to produce an even more beautiful floor.

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The clear and natural hues of Maple hardwood flooring

Maple has strikingly beautiful grain patterns and lighter, blonder hues that make it an ideal wood for homeowners seeking a neutral palette for their interior design. It’s a great match for contemporary interiors and minimalist decors, and it’s a favorite in Scandinavian design. The lighter hues in Maple floorboards help make rooms seem more expansive. And with relatively little variation in color and grain pattern between floorboards, Maple can provide a consistent look over large, open spaces.

Density: Is Maple wood harder than Cherry?

With a rating of 1450 on the Janka hardness scale, Maple is one of the hardest species of wood commonly used for flooring.

Cherry, on the other hand, is one of the softest hardwoods in the flooring industry, with a Janka rating of 950. Consequently, Maple is far more resistant to scratches, dents, and dings than Cherry floors.

Engineered Maple and Cherry planks

If you’re considering engineered flooring, the distinction between Maple vs. Cherry flooring is a little less important. Engineered floors are constructed with multiple layers of material that are glued together to form a strong core, to which a veneer of hardwood adheres. The stability of the core allows engineered floorboards to perform better in locations with higher moisture and humidity. Engineered floors are ideal for basement or wine cellar flooring as well as installation over a concrete slab or radiant heating systems.

Are there advantages in staining Maple vs. Cherry flooring?

Maple is a very hard floor to stain well. Its tight, non-porous grain prevents the floor from absorbing stain evenly, often resulting in a blotchy appearance.

Cherry floors can be more easily stained, though they are more often treated with natural finishes that heighten their glowing red tones.

Maple vs. Cherry flooring: which is easier to keep clean?

There is no real difference in the effort required to clean Maple or Cherry floors.

• You simply need to sweep or vacuum away dust and dirt often.
• Occasional mopping with a gentle floor cleaner or a mild solution of water and vinegar can clean up tougher spots and leave a streak-free surface.

However, while the task of cleaning these floors is the same, lighter floors like Maple will tend to hide dust and dirt more easily than darker floors like Cherry, so you may end up sweeping or cleaning a Cherry floor more often.

Does Maple or Cherry Floors cost more?

The cost of materials and labor to install a hardwood floor can vary based on the type of hardwood, the geographic location of the home, and many other factors. In general Maple and Cherry are similarly priced at Carlisle.

Maple vs. Cherry Hardwood flooring: which is right for your home?

Deciding whether to install Maple or Cherry floors is usually determined by which hardwood will better match the home’s interior design and color palette. At Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, our design consultants can work with you to find a flooring solution that perfectly aligns with your vision for your home and the needs of your interior design.

In addition to the benefits of Maple vs. Cherry flooring, we can walk you through the advantages of Cherry vs. Oak or Hickory vs. Maple or show you options for mixed hardwood flooring. Our wide plank specialists can help you explore the beauty of a wire-brushed or hand-scraped hardwood floor, and the sense of luxury that a patterned floor imparts. Whether you’re looking for living room flooring, kitchen flooring, nursery flooring or basement flooring, you’ll find that Carlisle wide plank floors are the perfect surface on which to enjoy your life at home.