Curly Cherry (or Tiger Cherry)
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with good resistance to decay but vulnerable to certain insects
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Grain Pattern
Wavy / Curly figure with a prominent flame or fiddleback pattern running across a mostly straight grain
Color & Appearance
Rich reddish-brown heartwood with lighter golden-brown sapwood, exhibiting a warm luster and high chatoyance due to the curly figure; darkens significantly to a deeper amber-red patina with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with good resistance to decay but vulnerable to certain insects
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot for highly figured curly or tiger selection
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled or finished board, likely under 5 years old based on the bright reddish tone before full amber patina development
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN Least Concern, widely abundant and sustainably harvested in North America, readily available with FSC certification options
Common Uses
Fine furniture, high-end cabinetry, architectural millwork, musical instruments, turned objects, and decorative veneer
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; machines, glues, and finishes well, though figured sections can present minor tearout risks during planing and requires sharp blades
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil, shellac, and varnish exceptionally well; finishes that amber with age (like boiled linseed oil or oil-based polyurethane) enhance the natural chatoyance and rich reddish patina
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent when freshly cut, excellent dimensional stability once dry, and high chatoyance (light-reflecting 3D ripple effect) from the ripple grain figure
