American Cherry (Black Cherry)
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately durable, with good resistance to decay but vulnerable to insect attack if left untreated in damp environments.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture, featuring subtle cathedral patterns and slight mineral flecks typical of flat-sawn hardwood furniture components.
Color & Appearance
Warm reddish-brown heartwood with paler yellowish-sapwood. Cherry darkens significantly to a rich, deep amber-red patina over time upon exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable, with good resistance to decay but vulnerable to insect attack if left untreated in damp environments.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20 to 50 years based on the development of a warm, classic aged reddish-brown patina typical of mid-to-late 20th-century furniture.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern status on the IUCN Red List; widely abundant and sustainably harvested in North America with FSC-certified options readily available.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, flooring, musical instruments, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally burn during high-speed routing if not fed properly.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, varnishes, and lacquers exceptionally well. A light sanding followed by a penetrating oil or water-based polyurethane preserves the natural chatoyance and warm color.
Notable Features
Distinctive pitch pockets and fine brown gum streaks or gum spots, along with a pleasant faint scent when freshly cut and excellent dimensional stability once dry.
