Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight-grained and easy to work; the sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with a prominent character knot and slight wavy figure.
Color Description
Light pinkish-brown in this fresh cut; it features cream-colored sapwood and will darken to a deep reddish-brown with a high golden luster upon exposure to light and age.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Heartwood is rated as very durable and resistant to decay; sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, tool handles, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled or surfaced; the light color suggests it has not yet undergone the significant oxidation typical of aged Cherry.
Sustainability Status
Abundant and not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Excellent for both hand and machine tools; however, it can be prone to burning if saw blades are dull or feed rates are too slow. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Features a mild, aromatic scent when being worked; contains small pitch pockets (gum streaks) which are a natural characteristic and not a defect.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with clear oils or shellac to highlight the natural color change; use a wood conditioner if staining to avoid blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of pinkish-tan hue, fine pore structure, and the specific appearance of the knot and gum streaks are classic indicators of Prunus serotina.