Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight-grained, fine and uniform texture. Features a prominent cathedral pattern on flat-sawn surfaces as seen in the sample, with occasional small gum pockets (dark streaks) or pin knots.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish brown when freshly cut, darkening to a deep reddish brown with time and exposure to light. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. The sample shows a medium luster with smooth, even appearance.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Heartwood is rated as being very durable and resistant to decay, though it offers little resistance to marine borers and insects compared to tropical hardwoods.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, musical instruments, turned objects, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern USA and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely surfaced within the last 1-2 years. The light color suggests it has not yet undergone significant UV-induced darkening (patina).
Sustainability Status
Commonly available and stable; Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both machine and hand tools. It planes, glues, and nails well. The primary challenge is a tendency to burn when machined with dull cutters or high speeds/low feed rates. Sanding provides a very smooth finish.
Notable Features
Emit a mild, pleasant scent when being worked. Known for its photo-reactive properties (darkening significantly over months). Can be prone to blotchiness when staining due to its closed pore structure.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear coats to show off natural color change. Danish oil, wipe-on poly, or shellac are traditional favorites. If staining, a wood conditioner/pre-stain is highly recommended to prevent blotching.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive salmon-pink hue, closed-pore texture, and specific cathedral grain structure are classic hallmarks of North American Black Cherry.