Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, fine, and uniform. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with some wavy grain and minor pith flecks.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from light pinkish brown to a deeper reddish brown. Sapwood is creamy white to yellowish. It is known for its high luster and significant darkening (patina) to a rich reddish-brown over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable; Heartwood is very resistant to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneers, musical instruments, interior trim, and turnery.
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, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh/young. The pale pinkish-tan hue suggests it has not yet undergone significant oxidation or UV darkening typical of older Cherry pieces.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Excellent. Easy to machine, turn, and plane. Sapwood and heartwood glue well. Can be prone to blotching when staining due to its closed diffuse-porous structure.
Notable Features
Faint, mild scent when being worked. Known for 'gum pockets' or small black pitch flecks which are natural characteristics of the species.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) are preferred to bring out chatoyance; clear lacquer or polyurethane also work well. Gel stains are recommended to avoid blotching.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the warm pinkish-brown undertones, the specific cathedral grain shape, small dark pitch flecks, and smooth, closed-pore texture is characteristic of Black Cherry.