Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Closed, straight grain with prominent cathedral figure in this flat-sawn piece; fine, uniform texture with occasional narrow brown pith flecks or small gum pockets.
Color Description
Light pinkish-brown heartwood with cream-colored sapwood. Cherry is famous for its photosensitivity, darkening significantly with age and light exposure to a rich reddish-brown patina.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood is resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, boat interiors, musical instruments, turned objects, veneer, and flooring.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (USA and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled; the light color and fresh sawdust on the table saw suggest this has not yet begun the oxidation process that turns Cherry dark red.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered highly sustainable.
Workability
Excellent for machining and hand tools; planes smoothly and glues well. However, it can be prone to burning if saw blades are dull or feed speed is too slow due to high sugar/gum content.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when being worked; famous for its ability to take a high natural polish and its extreme color change over time.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear oils (tung or linseed), shellac, or lacquer to showcase the natural grain. Staining can be difficult and may result in blotchiness without a pre-stain conditioner.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the fine, closed grain, specific salmon-pink hue, cathedral pattern, and the presence of small gum spots is a classic signature of Prunus serotina.