Black Cherry (American Cherry)
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America (primarily the Appalachian region and Midwestern United States).
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood decay resistance; sapwood is prone to insect attack.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy face grain, flat-sawn with faint cathedral figures and subtle curly/wavy figure; fine, uniform texture.
Color & Appearance
Rich golden-reddish brown heartwood with distinct lighter yellowish-cream sapwood visible along both live/untrimmed edges. Ages to a deep reddish mahogany hue with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood decay resistance; sapwood is prone to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $11.00 per board foot (varies depending on board width, figure, and grade).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Rough-sawn lumber sample, air/kiln-dried within the last 1 to 5 years; exhibits raw surface patina with chalk and pencil layout marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List). Not CITES listed, highly sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, turnings, musical instruments, veneer, and small specialty woodenware.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (primarily the Appalachian region and Midwestern United States).
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and sands very smooth, though cross-grain regions or figure may tear out if blades are dull. Glues, stains, and finishes extremely well.
Finish Recommendations
Wipe-on oil finishes (tung oil, boiled linseed oil) or clear film finishes (polyurethane, lacquer, shellac) enhance natural depth and chatoyance without blotching.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet fruity scent when freshly worked; darkens significantly with UV exposure; contains minor natural gum pockets or flecks.
