Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately durable. Good resistance to decay, though susceptible to insect attack if exposed to damp conditions.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, uniform texture. The face grain shows subtle cathedral patterns characteristic of flat-sawn or plain-sawn lumber.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a rich reddish-brown, while the narrow sapwood is pale yellowish-white. The wood darkens significantly over time with exposure to light, developing a deep, warm patina.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable. Good resistance to decay, though susceptible to insect attack if exposed to damp conditions.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot for standard domestic FAS grade lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent kiln-dried lumber, approximately 1 to 5 years since milling, showing initial signs of light-induced ambering.
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant and sustainable; not listed on CITES appendices and generally considered of least concern by the IUCN.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, flooring, paneling, musical instruments, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can burn easily during routing or high-speed machining if not fed at a consistent rate.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil-based finishes, shellac, and varnish exceptionally well. Often finished with penetrating oils to highlight the natural chatoyance and rich darkening aging process.
Notable Features
Features distinctive small gum pockets and pith flecks, along with a pleasant, faint aromatic scent when freshly cut. High dimensional stability once dried.
