Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Primarily straight grain with some slight waves; fine, even, and satiny texture. Small dark gum pockets are visible, which are common for this species.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from light pink-brown to a deeper reddish-brown. It shows high luster and will darken significantly over time with exposure to light (patina). Sapwood is light creamy white.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Highly durable heartwood; very resistant to decay and rot, though less resistant to insects compared to some other hardwoods.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneers, musical instruments, turned objects, and high-quality kitchenware like cutting boards and bowls.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, primarily across the Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent; likely 1-3 years old based on the light reddish-brown tone and lack of deep mahogany-colored oxidation that occurs with long-term aging.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available with FSC certification. Highly sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, sands, and glues well, though it can occasionally burn if tools are dull or feed rates are too slow.
Notable Features
Faint, sweet aromatic scent when worked; contains natural gum pockets. Noted for its exceptional dimensional stability and the beautiful dark patina it develops over time.
Finish Recommendations
For a cutting board, use food-grade mineral oil or a beeswax/oil blend. For furniture, polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac are excellent for highlighting the luster and grain.
Identification Confidence
High. The reddish-pink hue, distinct fine grain texture, and characteristic dark gum streaks are definitive markers of Black Cherry, distinguishing it from the deeper purplish-brown of walnut.
Notes
it is a cutting board, I think it may be cherry or walnut