Cherry (Black Cherry)
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Closed, straight, and frequently wavy grain with visible growth rings. Flat-sawn and turned surfaces show fine, uniform texture with distinct circular ring patterns in the cross-section.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish-brown when freshly cut, darkening to a medium reddish-brown with age and light. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. Shows a moderate natural luster.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, turned objects, veneer, musical instruments, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on figure and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The object appears to be 20-50 years old, evidenced by the deep honey-amber oxidation of the surface, characteristic of aged Cherry.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and sands very smoothly. Can be prone to burning if router bits or saw blades are dull.
Notable Features
Faint, mild scent when being worked; notable for its significant color darkening over time; may contain small pitch pockets (gum spots) which are a natural characteristic.
Finish Recommendations
Wiping oil (like Danish oil) or shellac to enhance the natural grain and allow for further oxidation. Clear polyurethane is used for durability, though it may slow the darkening process.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The combination of fine closed grain, the specific amber-red oxidation visible in the turning, and the appearance of the end-grain rings is highly characteristic of the Prunus genus.