sbandyk It's also possible to chemically treat Cherry to give it a darker, vintage look. Potassium Dichromate will darken cherry, but you don't want to accidentally take a swig from your application jar. it's used on furniture, safe when sealed.
Cherry also darkens when exposed to sunlight, I expect from the UV. You could leave the floor planks out in the sun for a bright, dry weekend or two.. though hopefully you don't have a lot of birds in the yard [course, clear plastic tarp will pass UV, but a glass is actually UV opaque so a glass sunroom .. not so much a great idea.
Oil, like boiled linseed will darken it a bit too but make sure you've let it cure before you apply your polyurethane. The poly won't dry right if you don't..
Beautiful effect! Well done! - Would you please share the width of the hall and the approximate height of the tallest point of the ceiling? I have a narrow, no personality hall that I would love to jazz up and yours is amazing! Any tips are so appreciated! »
Painted, raised panels float within the frame of this three-panel door rather than being glued. This approach allows for expansion and contraction of the three panels.