Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight-grained with a fine, uniform, satiny texture. Features characteristic cathedral patterns when flat-sawn, with occasional small pitch pockets or gum streaks (visible in sample as dark specks).
Color Description
Heartwood varies from rich red to reddish-brown, while sapwood is creamy white. It has a high natural luster and is famous for its dramatic darkening upon exposure to light, aging to a deep reddish-prown patina.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood decay resistance; however, sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneers, wood turning, musical instruments (piano keys), and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (USA and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled/surfaced. The light pinkish-tan hue suggests minimal light exposure post-processing; likely less than 6 months since its last surfacing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List. Widely available and considered a sustainable domestic hardwood.
Workability
Excellent. Easy to machine, planes smoothly, and turns well. It glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can be prone to blotching if not sealed properly before staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, aromatic scent when being worked; contains small gum streaks which are a natural characteristic. It is prized for its exceptional finishing qualities.
Finish Recommendations
Wiping varnish, shellac, or linseed oil to highlight the natural chatoyance. A pre-stain wood conditioner is recommended if using dark stains to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of fine closed-grain texture, reddish-tan coloration, and the presence of small black gum spots is diagnostic for Prunus serotina.