Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable; heartwood is rated as very resistant to decay caused by fungi, though somewhat susceptible to insect attack
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Grain Pattern
Closed, fine, and straight-grained with a satiny texture; small gum pockets/streaks are often visible
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light pinkish-brown when fresh, darkening to a deep reddish-brown with age and light exposure; sapwood is pale yellowish-white
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable; heartwood is rated as very resistant to decay caused by fungi, though somewhat susceptible to insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $5.00 - $8.00 per board foot regularly, though figured pieces can be higher
- Wood Age Estimate
- The furniture piece appears to be a vintage reproduction, likely manufactured between 1940 and 1970, showing a well-developed oxidation patina
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, musical instruments, and small specialty wood items
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; easy to plane and sand, though it can burn easily with high-speed router bits if feeds are too slow
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well; clear oils or shellac are recommended to allow the natural darkening and chatoyance to develop
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, sweet scent when being worked; known for its photo-reactive property where it darkens significantly over time
