Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, uniform texture; prominently features a cathedral pattern due to flat-sawing; may contain small pitch pockets or gum streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from rich red to reddish-brown; sapwood is creamy white to yellow. Cherry is highly photosensitive and will darken significantly to a deep reddish-brown patina over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 to $8.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 5 years old) based on the light reddish-pink tone and lack of deep oxidation or heavy wear marks.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed; generally considered a very sustainable domestic hardwood.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes well. The main challenge is a tendency to burn during machining (especially with dull blades) and can blotch when stained.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when being worked; known for its exceptional finishing qualities and 'chatoyance' or luster; contains gum streaks which are natural mineral deposits.
Finish Recommendations
Best with clear topcoats like lacquer or shellac to showcase natural color change; oil-based finishes enhance the depth; avoid heavy stains which tend to look blotchy on cherry.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the reddish-pink heartwood, characteristic cathedral grain, fine texture, and visible gum streaks is diagnostic of Prunus serotina.