Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight-grained with a fine, uniform, and satiny texture; the chair components show some slight curvature (cathedral) on the flat-sawn surfaces and some end-grain darkening on the radius cuts.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich reddish-brown that darkens significantly with age and light exposure. This specific sample shows a well-developed warm patina. Sapwood is typically a creamy yellowish-white, though minimal in this finished furniture piece.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Heartwood is rated as very durable and resistant to decay, though it is not as resistant to insect attack; excellent stability in furniture applications.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, boat interiors, musical instruments, turnings, and high-end veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot for 4/4 select grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
40 to 70 years based on the chair design, the oxidation state of the finish, and the deep amber-red hue characteristic of aged Cherry heartwood.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered highly sustainable.
Workability
Excellent. It is known for its easy machining, great gluing properties, and superb finishing characteristics, though it can occasionally exhibit blotchiness during staining or burning if tools are dull.
Notable Features
Features a mild, pleasant scent when being worked; contains small gum pockets (pitch pockets) which are natural characteristics of the species; high luster when finished.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance the natural darkening process; shellac or lacquer are traditional favorites; avoid dark stains as the wood develops its own superior color naturally.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the reddish-brown oxidation, the specific grain texture seen on the curved back splats, and the furniture's construction style are classic indicators of American Black Cherry.