Black Cherry (with heavy figure/burl characteristics)
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with prominent irregular wavy and swirling figure, showing striking chatoyance and light-reflecting patterns along the center.
Color & Appearance
Rich golden-brown to deep reddish-brown heartwood with darker mineral streaks and swirling figured patches, showing a warm natural luster. Cherry naturally darkens significantly to a deeper reddish-brown patina upon exposure to light over time.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $15.00+ per board foot depending on the grade and intensity of the figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20-50 years based on rich oxidation patina and deep amber-red coloration.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (Not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists; widely abundant and sustainably harvested in North America).
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, musical instruments, turned objects, and specialty decorative panels.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally excellent workability with both hand and tools. Machines well, though figured sections can be prone to tearout and require sharp blades and careful planing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, and lacquer exceptionally well, which help highlight the deep chatoyant figure and warm reddish-brown aging process.
Notable Features
Features distinctive gum pockets and rich reddish-brown chatoyancy when figured, pleasant mild aromatic scent when freshly worked.
