Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Finely textured, straight grain with subtle cathedral patterns when flat-sawn; features occasional small dark gum pockets and pith flecks which are characteristic of the species.
Color Description
Reddish-brown heartwood with a medium luster. Sapwood is typically creamy white. The wood in the image shows significant darkening (patina) from age and light exposure, transitioning from a light pinkish-brown to the deep, rich reddish-brown shown.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Highly durable heartwood regarding decay resistance; moderately resistant to insect attack. Stable after seasoning.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, millwork, musical instruments (mostly woodwinds), paneling, flooring, and specialty turned items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and parts of Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the deep oxidation/patina and the visible wear on the finish, the piece is likely 20 to 50 years old.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not listed in CITES appendices; frequently available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and nails well. The primary challenge is a tendency to burn when using high-speed routers or dull saw blades.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant scent when being worked; contains a high level of natural sugars that can cause it to scorch easily; photosensitive (darkens rapidly with UV exposure).
Finish Recommendations
Responds best to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance the color depth, or shellac and lacquer. Pre-stain conditioner is recommended if staining to avoid blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the deep reddish-brown patina, the specific cathedral grain shape, small black gum streaks, and the tight semi-ring porous texture is diagnostic for Black Cherry.