Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy, fine-textured, flat-sawn with minor curls; showcases small pitch flecks and bird-peck marks visible as dark pin-holes.
Color Description
Heartwood is light pinkish-brown in this fresh state with some darker reddish streaks; sapwood is pale yellowish. It will darken significantly to a deep reddish-brown with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; generally resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneers, musical instruments (piano keys), turned objects, and specialty small crafts like this tray.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (USA and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young or recently finished, indicated by the '2020' brand and the light, golden-pink hue that hasn't yet reached its mature dark-red oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and considered a sustainable choice with FSC options common.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools. Known for being easy to plane and sand, though burn marks can occur if blades are dull. Glues, stains, and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Mild, pleasant scent when being worked; contains small gummy deposits (pitch flecks); highly prized for its rapid color change (patina development).
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) are recommended to enhance chatoyance and color depth; clear lacquer or shellac also work well to protect the wood as it darkens.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the fine pore structure, characteristic pitch flecks (small black dots), color tone, and the branding from a known North American craftsman (Danny West) aligns perfectly with Black Cherry.