Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight-grained, fine, and uniform with a smooth texture; occasionally shows wavy or curly figure (faintly visible in the sample)
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pinkish brown when fresh to deep reddish brown with age; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. This sample shows the distinctive warm transition and a small patch of darker oxidation.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay from fungi
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, musical instruments, and small specialty wood items
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on width and figure
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh lumber, likely air-dried or kiln-dried within the last 1-2 years, showing early stages of oxidation
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; however, it can burn easily if router bits or saw blades are dull; glues, stains, and finishes well
Notable Features
Features a mild, pleasant scent when being worked; contains small gum pockets (dark streaks) which are natural characteristics of the species
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; oil-based finishes are popular to enhance the naturally deepening red-brown patina over time
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the light sapwood transition, warm reddish-tan heartwood, fine grain texture, and the specific bark appearance is characteristic of Prunus serotina.