Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight with a fine, uniform, satiny texture; sometimes displays wavy or curly figure and occasional small dark gum pockets
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish brown when freshly cut, darkening to a medium reddish brown with time and light exposure; sapwood is pale yellowish white. High natural luster and chatoyance
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to very durable regarding heartwood decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, turned objects, veneer, musical instruments, and small specialty wood items
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and region
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern piece (less than 10 years old) showing early stages of UV-induced darkening and a high-gloss modern film finish
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools; easy to plane and turn, though it can burn if router bits are dull or feed speed is too slow
Notable Features
Distinctive faint almond-like scent when being worked; contains high levels of natural tannins which contribute to its darkening over time
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the natural darkening process, while film finishes like lacquer or polyurethane provide high gloss and protection
Identification Confidence
High; the warm reddish-brown hue combined with the fine texture, subtle gum streaks, and characteristic chatoyance on a turned surface are hallmarks of Prunus serotina