Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, fine and even texture. Exhibits closed-grain pores and subtle cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections. Occasional small pith flecks or gum pockets are common.
Color Description
Heartwood is a warm reddish-brown, while sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It has high luster and is famous for its photosensitivity, darkening significantly with age and light to a deep mahogany-like rich brownish-red.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable and resistant to decay; heartwood is rated as very resistant to decay caused by fungi, though prone to attack by common furniture beetles.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, musical instruments (mostly banjos and drums), and specialty wood items such as bowls and handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, including the Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the Southeast.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $7.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the depth of the reddish patina and the vintage-style edge joinery, the sample appears to be at least 20-40 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available as FSC-certified and considered highly sustainable due to abundant growth and regeneration in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, turns, and glues well. The primary challenge is its tendency to burn when machined with dull blades or at high speeds due to high natural sugar content.
Notable Features
Features a mild, pleasant scent when being worked. It is non-toxic but can cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Highly valued for its dimensional stability and smooth finish.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes extremely well. Oil-based finishes (like Tung or Linseed oil) are recommended to facilitate the natural darkening process, though lacquer or polyurethane are also common for furniture.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the fine, closed grain, distinctive reddish-brown patina, and small gum streaks is characteristic of aged Black Cherry used in cabinetry.