Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight-grained, fine and uniform texture. This sample shows a clear flat-sawn cathedral figure with smooth, flowing growth ring transitions.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish brown when fresh, darkening significantly to a deep reddish brown with age and light. Sapwood is yellowish-white. Shows a medium luster.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, musical instruments (piano keys), and specialty turned items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh cut or recently surfaced; the light pinkish-tan color suggests limited oxidation and UV exposure compared to older cherry furniture.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available as FSC certified and generally considered very sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and nails well. Main challenge is a tendency to burn on saws or routers if the feed rate is too slow.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, pleasant scent when being worked. Known for containing small black gum pockets (pith flecks) which are a natural characteristic of the species.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) are highly recommended to enhance the natural darkening process and depth of grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the specific salmon-pink hue, closed-pore texture, and classic cathedral grain pattern is characteristic of Prunus serotina.