Cherry (specifically figured or curly Cherry)
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Closed grain with distinctive curly figure (fiddleback) and occasional pith flecks or gum streaks visible as small dark horizontal lines.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish brown when fresh, darkening to a deep golden reddish brown with age and light exposure. Features high luster and chatoyance in the curly sections.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, musical instruments, turned objects, and specialty small wooden items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Select grade figured cherry typically ranges from $8.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing (5-10 years) based on the clean machine-cut surface and use in a contemporary mixed-media/resin design.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with hand and machine tools; stable but prone to burning if saw blades are dull or feed rates are slow. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet scent when being worked; contains small gum streaks which are a natural characteristic of the species; high photosensitivity causing rapid darkening over time.
Finish Recommendations
Wiping oils or shellac to pop the curly figure; clear lacquer or polyurethane for protection. Avoid heavy stains which can appear blotchy on cherry.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of pinkish-tan hue, distinctive gum streaks, and tight closed-grain structure with curly figure is characteristic of Prunus serotina.