Cherry Wood Outdoors?

[bsharp]

Hey, I'm a high school student building an outdoor bar in my backyard. Everything has gone smoothly, but I'm debating on what to make the countertop out of. My family just redid our kitchen and we have all of this tongue and groove cherry wood left over. Not being too experienced with wood, I'm not sure if cherry can be put outdoors. While mostly under a roof, the counter would be exposed to rain and the New Jersey climate. I would definitely coat it with some preserver or sealer (monthly/yearly if I needed to), but some people I've talked to said cherry is not supposed to be outside. I want to be careful and I don't want to build the counter then have it be ruined in a year so any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help.

[Honorary Bloke]

some people I've talked to said cherry is not supposed to be outside. .

Welcome Bsharp to the Forum. Good to see a youngun interested in wood.

Well, all the cherry trees I've ever seen were growing outside! :p :D :p

Actually, while not thought of as an "outside project" wood (think cedar, cypress, redwood), it can work if properly sealed. I might use a water-sealing oil coating, renewing it regularly. These other blokes are better at finishing than I am and they will give you the straight scoop. But I would be planning on using it because you already have it and done up properly cherry is beautiful.

Good luck. :)