Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but sometimes wavy, with a fine, uniform, and smooth texture. The flat-sawn panel displays characteristic cathedral patterns, while the vertical stiles show uniform straight grain with tiny pitch flecks.
Color Description
Medium reddish-brown heartwood with some lighter golden tones. It possesses a high natural luster and is known for darkening significantly over time with exposure to UV light to a deep, rich mahogany-like color. Sapwood is typically creamy white but not visible here.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay, though it possesses low resistance to insect attack compared to other hardwoods.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, fine woodworking, flooring, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years; based on the depth of the reddish patina and oxidation visible in the tight grain, this appears to be a vintage piece of furniture rather than new construction.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; highly sustainable and widely available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both machine and hand tools. It machines easily and turns well, though it can burn if the saw blade is dull or the feed rate is too slow. It glues, stains, and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Features small, dark gum pockets or pith flecks which are natural characteristics. It has a mild, pleasant scent when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for oil-based finishes (like Tung oil or Linseed oil) or clear lacquers that allow the natural darkening process to occur. Blotching can occur with stains, so a gel stain or conditioner is recommended if coloring.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of reddish-brown oxidation, fine closed-pore structure, small dark gum streaks, and characteristic cathedral grain on the panel are diagnostic of Black Cherry.