I am looking to make a kitchen/dining table out of 8/4 Cherry (the finished thickness will actually be 8/4, not 7/4 or 6/4). We were originally looking at Hickory or Walnut, but Hickory is not available in 8/4 without gluing up, which I really don't want, and the Walnut is ridiculously expensive. I realize that the Janka hardness difference between Cherry and Walnut is basically nonexistent, but I would have asked this question about the Walnut as well had we gone that route. The Hickory is a non-issue, as I know it's plenty durable enough.
I just want to know if the experts on here feel that an 8/4 Cherry table top will be durable enough for day-to-day dining? I do have 3 kids, but my youngest is 7, and all of my kids are past that stage where they will be stabbing the table with forks, banging stuff on it, etc... I am sure the table will get a little "abuse" and some spills, but I kind of feel that tables take a bit less of a beating than most people think they do.
Another limiting factor for me is that it's really tough to find a good hardwood in a true 8/4 where I live (Metro Detroit, MI). Most places want to glue up 2 4/4's, but that's more expensive and then I have the task of having to veneer to hide the glue lines that I don't want to see.
What is the opinion of everyone on here? Any help given is much appreciated.
Thanks!