Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately durable, with good resistance to decay but susceptible to insect attack in heartwood.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a prominent flat-sawn cathedral pattern on the face, showing fine, uniform texture.
Color & Appearance
Light pinkish-brown heartwood with paler sapwood, exhibiting a moderate natural luster and known to darken significantly to a rich reddish-brown patina with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable, with good resistance to decay but susceptible to insect attack in heartwood.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber, approximately 1 to 3 years old based on fresh surface and light color before heavy oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, abundant and widely available, not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red list.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, flooring, paneling, musical instruments, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally burn during routing due to friction.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, and varnish exceptionally well, highlighting the natural chatoyancy and deepening the reddish color over time.
Notable Features
Features characteristic gum pockets and small pitch flecks visible as dark streaks, along with a distinct pleasant, sweet scent when freshly cut.
