Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine, and even grain; mostly flat-sawn with characteristic narrow brown pith flecks and small gum pockets present.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish-brown when fresh, darkening to a deep reddish-brown with a golden luster over time; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. Shows significant darkening with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to very durable regarding heartwood decay resistance; however, susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, tool handles, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the moderate darkening/oxidation and installation context, likely 10-25 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; stable in service; can burn if machined with dull bits or slow feed rates.
Notable Features
Faint, mild scent when being worked; high chatoyance; contains natural gum pockets that appear as small black streaks.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) or clear shellac to enhance natural darkening; blotching can occur with stains, so a sealer/conditioner is recommended if staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown oxidation, fine grain texture, and presence of distinct gum streaks in the window casing are hallmark traits of North American Cherry.