Cherry Planks and Portal Inspired Builds in Minecraft 1.20
The 1.20 era brings a fresh warmth to creative builds and portal rooms. Cherry Planks offer a friendly pink brown tone that can soften the stark geometry of gateways while still telling a bold architectural story. If you are chasing a portal that feels welcoming yet dramatic, this wood type is a reliable starting point. In this guide we explore practical techniques for using Cherry Planks to frame portals and to weave texture into the surrounding chamber.
In game terms Cherry Planks are a standard wood block with no light emission and a dependable hardness that players recognize from other plank families. Its drops align with typical woodworking patterns, and the block states stay simple which makes it easy to plan large portal rooms without fighting random state changes. The result is a versatile palette that can anchor both Nether style and End style gateway aesthetics while keeping a cohesive natural look in woodland biomes.
Why Cherry Planks shine in portal design
Color harmony matters when you want a portal to feel like a destination not a distraction. The warm pinkish brown of Cherry Planks contrasts nicely with the cool obsidian frame of a Nether Portal or the glossy blackness of a deep portal chamber. This contrast helps the portal to pop without shouting. The texture of the planks adds subtle rhythm to walls and floors that would otherwise feel flat in a room built around a gateway.
- Warm neutral base that blends with stone, quartz, and glass
- Easy to source and craft in large quantities
- Good compatibility with lanterns and scented candles style lighting
- Flexible for both modern and rustic portal rooms
Frame shapes and construction tricks
Start with a clear portal silhouette and then decide how heavy you want the frame to read. For a classical gateway you can build a tall rectangular frame using Cherry Planks as the outer ring. Stairs and slabs help shape the corners into a softer arc that feels inviting rather than harsh. If you prefer a more cinematic look, add an inner border of darker blocks such as blackstone or dark oak to push the gate forward while Cherry Planks hold the glow of the surrounding space.
Vertical columns of Cherry Planks can flank the portal doorway to draw the eye toward the gateway. Combine them with glass panes or stained glass to create a stained arch effect that reads as a portal portal by day and a lantern lit beacon by night. A simple trick is to place lanterns on top of fence posts beside the frame. The subtle glow will illuminate the wood texture without washout, making the portal feel alive in dim caves or night skies 🧱
Lighting and texture without overpowering the block
Remember that Cherry Planks themselves do not emit light. Plan lighting behind or around the portal to keep the gateway legible while preserving the wood’s natural color. Layered lighting with lanterns hidden behind cherry wood trim or tucked under stair steps creates a soft halo around the frame. You can also use glow berries or sea lanterns behind translucent blocks to cast a gentle wash that enhances pink brown tones without bleaching the scene. The key is balance between glow and shadow so the portal remains a focal point rather than a lit billboard.
Resource pack and modding notes for 1.20 builders
In the modding culture of Minecraft we see resource packs that can recolor Cherry Planks for a deeper rose or a lighter blossom hue. If you are testing a theme like a cherry grove gateway or a temple doorway, a color shift on the plank texture can unify with surrounding blocks such as white concrete or smooth quartz. For players who enjoy data driven builds, you can script your creative world to swap textures in specific zones so the portal area matures with your project over time. The 1.20 toolkit makes these explorations a lot friendlier and more visually expressive.
Design tip from builders on dense portals begin with the frame then layer texture and light around the gateway Do not rush the approach build a small mockup first You will learn how Cherry Planks carry a surprising amount of character into large scale portal rooms
Beyond aesthetics Cherry Planks offer practical advantages for portal environments. Their sturdy planks form reliable modules that you can replicate across multiple gateways within a single world. When you want a series of portals for a journey hub or a dungeon corridor the modular nature of Cherry Planks makes it simple to keep a consistent look while you expand. The result is a cohesive space that feels deliberate and lived in rather than a one off decorative piece 🧭
Practical build example a step by step outline
Imagine a 5 by 7 portal room where Cherry Planks frame a central Nether Portal. Start by placing a 5 by 7 hollow space in Cherry Planks. Add a slightly inset inner frame with 1 block thick Cherry Plank border to create depth. Place the portal frame in the middle and secure the edges with a line of dark oak or gray concrete to emphasize the gateway. Finish with lanterns along the top row and soft lighting behind glass panels to create a gentle glow that makes the portal glow without overpowering the wood tone.
As you experiment you will find that Cherry Planks work harmoniously with other wood types for pattern breaks. You can alternate with light birch for a pale contrast or with dark oak for a more dramatic effect. The combination allows you to sculpt a portal room that feels both ancient and modern at the same time. And if you want to push the vibe further consider adding carved wooden details like upside down stairs as corbels or small balcony ledges above the portal to cast additional shadows and create visual interest.
Community creativity and sharing
The Minecraft community loves sharing their twists on portal rooms and Cherry Planks often appear in themed builds such as fairy tale gateways, shrine like entries, or city district portals. If you create a portal inspired by cherry wood you can document the steps as a small build diary for others to follow. The collaborative spirit of the community makes these ideas easier to adapt to your personal world and to other updates as they arrive. Don t be afraid to try unusual shapes and to test color pairings with your favorite lighting setups 🧪
When you combine careful frame design with thoughtful lighting and texture the result is a portal room that feels crafted rather than assembled. Cherry Planks give you a warm canvas on which to paint your gateway story while still leaving room for your own signature build voice.
For builders who love a practical approach to updates in Minecraft 1.20 this wood type is a reliable partner. It invites experimentation while staying within a familiar material family you already know how to work with. Whether you are constructing a lone gateway or a network of portals across a base the cherry tone is a gift to the craft.
Ready to support more Minecraft projects that celebrate community creativity and thoughtful builds If you enjoy what we do consider a small donation to help sustain guides like this one
Support Our Minecraft Projects