Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight-grained and easy to work; occasionally features wavy or curly figure in older growth. The texture is fine and even.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish-brown when freshly cut, darkening to a deep reddish-brown with age and light exposure. Sapwood is narrow and pale yellowish-white. High natural luster.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Heartwood is rated as being very durable and resistant to decay, though not particularly resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, tool handles, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot for premium kiln-dried lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly felled/green; logs show minimal oxidation on the end grain surfaces and the bark remains tight, suggesting recent harvesting (under 6 months).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes well, though it can provide some burning if blades are dull or feed rates are too slow.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, aromatic scent when being worked. Common presence of small pitch pockets (gum streaks) which are a natural characteristic. High tannin content can lead to darkening when exposed to certain dyes.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes excel at highlighting the chatoyance; clear lacquer or polyurethane are also common. Darkens beautifully under simple tung or linseed oil.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the distinctive burnt-potato-chip bark texture, the salmon-colored heartwood versus white sapwood, and the circular growth rings are classic indicators of domestic Black Cherry.