They're telling you what will happen. Listen to them.

We are just finishing install on our third natural cherry kitchen. Yes the cabinets darken, but it is soft and subtle, a shade or two darker than the original. Part of the appeal of cherry for us.

Cherry is absolutely gorgeous. There are different tricks and tips to replacing Cherry cabinet parts. Any *passionate/skilled* local Cabinet Maker would be able to help you with this.

The Cherry will darken and change differently depending on sun exposure, as well as just the nature of Cherry changing. After a few years, if you compare a door in direct sunlight to a door that was hidden by a shadow... you will see a difference. When you would order a replacement (only if you need one... how are will you be on the cabinetry?) you can actually put the door under lights and darken it faster to match its surrounding cabinetry artificially.

You can also have the cabinetry refinished down the road if you do not like the change, but it would depend on the cabinet brand and door style. For example, if you have veneered center panels in your doors... they will sand and finish differently than the solid wood frames.

Moral of the story, If you would like Cherry cabinetry... take care of it. Embrace the natural change in color. And plan for sun exposure if you are concerned.

Carly, these cabinets would be just for our island so I'm not *as* concerned as if it was our perimeter where our garbage would be located. I just want to be sure I plan for it (i.e. choose something a hair lighter knowing it will darken).

My cherry cabinets were installed in 2012. Last year I ordered some doors for one cabinet that was previously doorless and I decided I wanted to close it off. Luckily the manufacturer is still producing the same style and stain. When they arrived, they were, of course, somewhat lighter than the installed cabinets because they were so new. I stood them against the wall in the kitchen for a few weeks until the color changed to match. Now, I can't tell the difference. I did order my cabinets with a "light" stain rather than natural because I'd heard that the color change with Cherry would be more subtle that way. I don't know if there is any truth to that statement, but the color did not change drastically so it was true in my case. I loved the color when they were brand new, and I love the color now. Mine are shaker style with solid wood center panels and slab drawer fronts.