Black Cherry (American Cherry)
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America, particularly abundant in the Appalachian Mountains and Allegheny Plateau region (Pennsylvania, New York).
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium Hardness)
- Durability
- Durable to Moderately Durable regarding heartwood decay resistance; sapwood is prone to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight and fine-textured with a smooth natural luster. Displays subtle cathedral grain patterns along the center, with mild wave/curl features typical of flat-sawn cherry timber.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a rich reddish-brown to deep golden amber, with a narrow, paler yellowish-white sapwood along the live edges. Cherry naturally darkens significantly over time and with exposure to UV light, developing a rich reddish patina.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Moderately Durable regarding heartwood decay resistance; sapwood is prone to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot for rough-sawn, live-edge hardwood lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Rough-sawn slab timber, modern harvest (estimated within the last 1-5 years), showing rough mill saw marks, surface oxidation, and chalk/pencil layout lines.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List). Abundant and sustainably managed in North American forests. Not listed in CITES appendices. FSC certified lumber widely available.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, interior trim, woodturning, musical instruments, veneer, and specialty wood products.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, particularly abundant in the Appalachian Mountains and Allegheny Plateau region (Pennsylvania, New York).
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and sands exceptionally smooth. Pre-boring recommended for screws to prevent splitting near edges. Can burn during high-speed routing if cutters are dull or feed rate is too slow.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes (wiping varnish, tung oil, boiled linseed oil) exceptionally well, highlighting grain depth. Accepts shellac, lacquer, and polyurethane easily. Staining can result in blotchiness unless a washcoat or gel stain is applied.
Notable Features
Features light, pleasant sweet aroma when freshly cut or worked. Highly prized for its dramatic golden-red oxidation and smooth closed-pore texture. May contain occasional pitch pockets or gum flecks.
