Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with good resistance to decay but susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture and occasional small pin knots typical of flat-sawn domestic cherry boards.
Color & Appearance
Currently a light golden-brown to pinkish-brown sapwood/heartwood transition, which is characteristic of freshly cut or unaged Black Cherry. It will dramatically darken and develop a deep reddish-brown patina upon prolonged exposure to light and oxygen.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with good resistance to decay but susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber, likely under 1-2 years old based on the light, un-patinated surface color and pencil handwriting on the face.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available and sustainably managed in North American forests.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, flooring, musical instruments, turnings, and carving.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can sometimes blotch with traditional stains unless a pre-stain conditioner or gel stain is used.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil-based finishes, shellac, varnish, and lacquer exceptionally well. Often finished with just natural oils to let the wood age and darken naturally over time.
Notable Features
Features characteristic gum pockets and small pith flecks. Known for its rich, warm aging process that transforms pale lumber into a deep, lustrous reddish-brown.
