Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight and easy to work, with moderate ring-porous texture. Visible rays on the end grain and a smooth, fine texture. May contain small pith flecks or gum pockets which are common in this species.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish brown when freshly cut, darkening to a medium reddish brown with time and exposure to light. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It exhibits a high natural luster.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable. Recommended for indoor use; heartwood is very resistant to decay, though it is susceptible to insect attack if left in contact with soil.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, turned objects, and high-end musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (from eastern Canada through the United States to Mexico and Guatemala).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly harvested logs, likely 30-50 years old based on log diameter and growth ring density.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and nails well. The primary challenge is its tendency to burn when being machined with dull blades or high speeds.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, sweet scent when being worked. Known for its incredible photographic darkening (patina) over time and excellent dimensional stability once dried.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to oil-based finishes (like Tung or Linseed oil) which highlight the grain. Alcohol-based stains can be blotchy, so a gel stain or toner is recommended if color change is desired.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the flaky, burnt-potato-chip bark texture and the characteristic salmon-pink to reddish-brown heartwood color is diagnostic for Prunus serotina.