Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Finely textured with a straight, closed grain. Visible cathedral figure from flat-sawing, featuring minor wavy ripples and characteristic small dark gum pockets.
Color Description
Reddish-brown heartwood with a medium luster. It exhibits a natural darkening characteristic (patina) where it deepens into a rich, dark red over time with light exposure. Sapwood is typically creamy white.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable (Heartwood is very resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack)
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, musical instruments (mostly woodwinds), and tool handles.
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 width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (The surface shows a contemporary catalyzed lacquer or polyurethane finish and minimal oxidation, suggesting the timber was processed within the last 5-15 years).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification. Considered highly sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability. It machines, planes, and sands very smoothly. It glues and finishes exceptionally well, though it can burn easily if router speeds are too high or blades are dull.
Notable Features
Features a faint, pleasant scent when being worked. Known for its 'gum spots' or small pitch pockets which are a natural characteristic. High dimensional stability after drying.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance natural color, but often finished with clear lacquer or polyurethane for protection. Blotching can occur with stains, so a pre-conditioner is recommended if staining.
Identification Confidence
High. The reddish hue combined with the tight, closed-grain pattern, characteristic cathedral figure, and presence of small gum streaks are definitive markers of Black Cherry.