Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America (primarily the Appalachian mountain region, Pennsylvania, and New York)
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium Hardness)
- Durability
- Durable (heartwood is resistant to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack)
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Mostly straight to fine, slightly wavy grain with classic cathedral patterns on flat-sawn boards. Shows diffuse-porous smooth growth rings, small dark gum pockets/flecks, and characteristic smooth fine texture.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light pinkish reddish-brown to golden brown, which darkens dramatically to a deep rich reddish-brown with exposure to light. The left edge prominently features pale creamy-yellow sapwood.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable (heartwood is resistant to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot (4/4 Select & Better grade)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber sample (recently milled/sanded, currently in progress of tabletop assembly as evidenced by fresh routing, layout marks, and unoxidized sapwood)
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List), not CITES listed. Widely available from sustainably managed forests across Eastern US.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, tabletop construction, architectural millwork, turnings, interior trim, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (primarily the Appalachian mountain region, Pennsylvania, and New York)
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and sands exceptionally smooth. Susceptible to burning during routing or crosscutting if cutter feed speed slows down.
Finish Recommendations
Wipe-on oil finishes (like Danish oil, tung oil, or boiled linseed oil) enhance the natural warmth and depth, followed by clear varnish, shellac, or polyurethane. Pre-sanding is critical to remove pencil layout marks.
Notable Features
Distinctive dark gum streaks/pockets visible, prominent contrast between light sapwood and golden-pink heartwood, subtle natural luster, and mild faint sweet scent when worked.
