Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight with a fine, even, satiny texture. Occasional wavy or curly patterns. Displays subtle cathedral grain on flat-sawn surfaces as seen in the sample. Random gum streaks (small black pits) are common.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish-brown when freshly cut, darkening to a deep golden reddish-brown over time with exposure to light. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. This sample shows the characteristic light salmon-pink heartwood of recently milled or surfaced cherry.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; sapwood is susceptible to insect attack. Moderately resistant to decay.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior millwork, veneer, tool handles, musical instruments, and small turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $8.00 per board foot for Select/Better grade (price varies by region and width).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be freshly surfaced or recently milled (less than 1 year since last planed) due to the lighter pinkish hue and lack of deep oxidation/patina typical of aged cherry.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not listed in CITES appendices. Generally considered highly sustainable due to abundant natural growth and regeneration.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well. Main challenge is a tendency to burn when using high-speed routers or dull saw blades.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant scent when being worked. Known for its photo-reactive properties (darkening significantly with UV light). Contains small pith flecks or gum pockets that are characteristic of the species.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil, Danish oil) are highly recommended to enhance chatoyance and color depth. Polyurethane or lacquer work well but can sometimes blotch; a pre-stain conditioner is advised if staining.
Identification Confidence
High. The salmon-pink hue, closed-pore structure, subtle cathedral grain, and presence of small dark gum streaks are definitive indicators for Prunus serotina.