Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight-grained, fine and uniform texture. Face shows a characteristic reddish-brown cathedral or vertical grain with occasional small gum pockets or pitch flecks appearing as dark streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish-brown when freshly cut, darkening to a deep golden-brown or reddish-brown with exposure to light (UV aging). Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. The sample shows a medium luster and slight chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; however, susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneers, tool handles, musical instruments, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern rough-sawn lumber, likely 1-5 years post-harvest based on the lack of deep silvering and presence of fresh-looking saw marks and minor oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally categorized as sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both machine and hand tools. It machines, glues, and nails well. Main challenge is propensity to burn when using dull router bits or saw blades at high speeds.
Notable Features
Faint, mild scent when being worked; contains small dark gum streaks that are characteristic of the species; high contrast between heartwood and sapwood.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (linseed or tung oil) highlight the depth of color; wipe-on poly or lacquer are excellent for durability. Staining is often avoided because it can be blotchy unless a sealer is used first.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive reddish-tan hue of the heartwood combined with the fine texture, dark pitch flecks, and typical rough-sawn surfacing is highly consistent with American Black Cherry.