Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, uniform, and satiny texture; flat-sawn displaying subtle cathedral patterns and occasional small gum pockets
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish brown when fresh, aging to a deep reddish brown with a golden luster. Sapwood is a pale yellowish white. High chatoyance and significant darkening over time with UV exposure
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, turned objects, musical instruments, and small specialty wood items
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and width
Wood Age Estimate
Post-production; the warm reddish-tan oxidation suggests the board has been exposed to light for several years, though the physical condition appears modern
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common
Workability
Excellent with hand and machine tools; stable during drying. Prone to burning during machining if blades are dull. Glues, stains, and finishes very well
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when being worked; contains small dark gum streaks which are a natural characteristic. Known for its exceptional finishing qualities
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance natural darkening; clear lacquer or shellac to preserve the satiny texture. Gel stains are recommended to avoid blotchiness
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of fine grain texture, characteristic salmon-to-bronze color transition, and presence of faint gum streaks is diagnostic of Prunus serotina