Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) / Domestic Hardwood Slab
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America, particularly abundant in Pennsylvania, New York, and the Appalachian region.
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood is resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Mostly straight to slightly wavy grain with subtle cathedral figures, fine diffuse-porous texture, showing minor pith flecks and character knots with dark bark inclusions.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a warm reddish-brown to amber pink, accompanied by a pale yellowish-white sapwood margin along the live edge. Cherry naturally darkens with age and UV exposure to a deep golden reddish-brown.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood is resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 - $14.00 per board foot for live-edge slabs depending on width and figure quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently harvested or milled slab (estimated 1 to 5 years old), unfinished with fresh machining/saw marks visible across the face.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably harvested in North American temperate forests. FSC certification widely obtainable.
Common Uses
Live-edge furniture, dining tables, coffee tables, cabinetry, architectural millwork, woodturning, and specialty veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, particularly abundant in Pennsylvania, New York, and the Appalachian region.
Workability
Excellent workability with hand and power tools. Planes smooth, glues well, and sands to a high polish, though cross-grain sections or knots may require careful feed rates to prevent burn marks.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil-based finishes (tung oil, Danish oil, or hardwax oils) enhance warm reddish tones and natural depth. Clear polyurethane or lacquer can be used for added durable protection.
Notable Features
Distinct faint sweet scent when freshly worked, smooth fine texture, prone to burning under high-friction power tools, highly valued for its warm aging patina.
