Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, uniform texture; exhibits a flat-sawn cathedral pattern on the right side and narrow growth rings throughout.
Color Description
Initial light pinkish-brown heartwood that has aged to a medium reddish-brown patina; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. Shows a natural luster and typical darkening with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, fine furniture, flooring, interior trim, veneer, tool handles, and small specialty wood objects like cutting boards shown here.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
5-10 years post-harvest; the deep reddish-brown oxidation and knife marks suggest a used kitchen item with significant patina development.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered a sustainable domestic hardwood.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; sands easily and glues well, though can be prone to burning if saw blades are dull or feed speeds are low.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when worked; contains small pitch pockets (gum streaks) which are common in the species; prone to blotching during staining.
Finish Recommendations
Specifically for a food-contact item like this board, food-grade mineral oil or beeswax is recommended. For furniture, polyurethane or lacquer highlights the chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the tight grain, small dark gum streaks, and cathedral patterns are classic identifiers for Prunus serotina.