Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine grain with a subtle cathedral pattern visible on the flat-sawn face; occasional gum streaks and pin knots are characteristic.
Color Description
Heartwood is a warm reddish-brown, shown here with a medium-luster finish. It darkens significantly with age and light exposure, transitioning from light pinkish-brown to deep mahogany-red.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack, typically used for interior applications.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, stair handrails, musical instruments, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be 10-20 years old based on the depth of the red patina and the style of the stair railing joinery.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and widely available as FSC-certified.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; however, it can be prone to burning during routing or sawing if blades are dull.
Notable Features
Possesses a faint, pleasant scent when being worked; known for its exceptional smoothness after sanding and its tendency to blotch if not sealed properly before staining.
Finish Recommendations
Varnish or polyurethane for high-touch areas like handrails; oil-based finishes enhance the natural darkening process.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the warm reddish-brown patina, fine closed-pore structure, and the characteristic cathedral grain pattern in a residential handrail application is classic for Black Cherry.