Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, uniform texture; visible cathedral figure in the flat-sawn sections and small, characteristic gum pockets/pit flecks.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from rich red to reddish brown; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. This species is famous for significant darkening and developing a deep patina when exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneers, musical instruments (pianos), woodturning, and specialty small craft items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (USA and Canada), specifically high-quality growth in the Appalachian mountains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh lumber (under 2 years); the light pinkish-tan hue indicates it hasn't yet undergone the deep oxidation/UV darkening typical of aged cherry.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered highly sustainable and FSC certified.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; planes and sands very smoothly. Can be prone to burning if saw blades are dull or feed rates are too slow.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when being worked; known for its exceptional finishing properties and high dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes or shellac are recommended to pop the grain; avoids blotching better than stains. Clear topcoats allow for natural darkening over time.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the fine pore structure, subtle cathedral grain, salmon-pink coloration, and presence of small dark gum streaks is diagnostic of Prunus serotina.