American Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight with a fine, even, satiny texture; small pith flecks and occasional gum pockets are common characteristics.
Color Description
Initial color is a pale pinkish brown when freshly cut, darkening to a medium reddish-brown with a golden luster over time and exposure to light. Sapwood is a creamy yellowish-white.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Heartwood is rated as being very durable and resistant to decay, though it is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneers, musical instruments, turned objects, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and width
Wood Age Estimate
The visible patina and deep reddish-golden hue suggest the wood is likely at least 5-10 years post-milling, as it has undergone significant light oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent. It is known as one of the best woods for workability; it machines, planes, and glues well, though it can be prone to burning if saws or router bits are dull.
Notable Features
Features a faint, pleasant scent when being worked. Known for its 'blotching' tendency during staining due to its closed-grain structure.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with oil-based finishes (like tung oil or Danish oil) to highlight the natural color change, or clear shellac and lacquer.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of small reddish gum streaks, the specific warm reddish-brown oxidation, and the fine diffuse-porous grain structure is classic for Prunus serotina.