Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Mostly straight, fine, uniform grain with a flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible at the bottom; exhibits subtle wavy figure and fine texture.
Color Description
Heartwood is light reddish-brown (characteristic of freshly surfaced cherry); sapwood is pale yellowish-white. The wood will darken significantly to a deep reddish-brown with exposure to light (UV) over time.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay from rot and fungi. Moderately resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $8.00 per board foot for select grade/live edge slabs.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh/kiln-dried stock, likely less than 2 years since milling based on the light, pale color before deep oxidation sets in.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and considered highly sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Main challenge is a tendency to scorch or burn with high-speed router bits or dull saw blades.
Notable Features
Features a mild, pleasant scent when being worked. Known for its exceptional finishing properties and naturally occurring small pitch pockets (gum streaks).
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) or shellac to enhance the natural color change and chatoyance. Gel stains are recommended if staining is desired to prevent blotching.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive pinkish-brown hue, narrow growth rings, and subtle cathedral grain pattern are classic diagnostic features of North American Black Cherry.