Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, with a fine, uniform, and satiny texture. Some logs may exhibit wavy or curly figure and irregular ripple marks.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish-brown when freshly cut, darkening to a deep reddish-brown with age and exposure to light. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. The wood has a moderate natural luster.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable. Heartwood is very resistant to decay; sapwood is susceptible to insect attack. It is highly stable once dried.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, musical instruments, engine patterns, and high-quality turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from Eastern Canada through the United States to Mexico.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $8.00 per board foot for high-quality dimensional lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently harvested green logs (under 6 months) based on the fresh appearance of the cut ends, light oxidation, and intact rough bark.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available as FSC certified and generally considered a sustainable choice.
Workability
Excellent. Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes well, glues, and finishes to a very high sheen. Can be prone to burning if saw blades are dull or feed rates are too slow.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when being worked. Known for its exceptional finishing qualities and character-defining gum pockets (small black streaks) that are natural to the species.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) and shellac to emphasize its natural color change. Accepts clear lacquer and polyurethane well; staining is often unnecessary and can appear blotchy.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the flaky 'burnt cornflakes' bark texture, the distinctive heartwood/sapwood contrast visible in the round, and the specific reddish-orange oxidation on the end grain is characteristic of Prunus serotina.