Black Cherry (American Cherry)
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America, with high-quality timber prominent in Pennsylvania, New York, and West Virginia.
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; offers good resistance to heartwood rot and decay, though sapwood is vulnerable to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy face grain on this flat-sawn live-edge slab, showing fine, even texture with subtle growth ring figures.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a warm golden-pink to light reddish-brown, with lighter sapwood visible near the live edge. The surface displays moderate luster and will darken significantly over time into a deep reddish-amber color with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; offers good resistance to heartwood rot and decay, though sapwood is vulnerable to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $10.00 per board foot for rough-sawn live-edge slabs depending on width and figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently rough-milled slab (likely harvested within 1 to 5 years), unseasoned/air-drying stage with fresh bark attachment.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); abundant in North American temperate forests and not CITES listed. Widely available from FSC-certified sustainable sources.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, live-edge tables, cabinetry, architectural millwork, turnings, interior trim, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, with high-quality timber prominent in Pennsylvania, New York, and West Virginia.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and sands easily to a smooth surface, glues and finishes exceptionally well, though cross-grained areas may occasionally tear out.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil finishes (such as tung oil or Danish oil) enhance its rich warmth and chatoyance. Can be top-coated with wiping varnish, clear polyurethane, or lacquer. Avoid dark stains as cherry darkens naturally with age.
Notable Features
Features thick, deeply furrowed, flaky grey-brown bark typical of mature black cherry trees. Contains natural pitch pockets/gum veins and possesses a characteristic sweet cherry scent when freshly cut or worked.
