Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight-grained, fine-textured, and uniform. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with occasional tiny pith flecks and gum pockets typical of the species.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish-brown when freshly cut, darkening to a deep reddish-brown with age and light exposure. The sample shows distinct yellowish-white sapwood on the right edge. It exhibits a natural silky luster.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable regarding rot resistance, but heartwood is susceptible to insect attack. Moderately durable in outdoor exposure but primarily used indoors.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, tool handles, and small turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $5.00 to $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
5-15 years. The wood shows modern machining and a clear finish, but the deepening reddish hue suggests it has been exposed to light for several years since harvesting.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered very sustainable and widely available with FSC certification options.
Workability
Excellent. Cherry is known for being one of the best all-around woods for workability; it machines well and sands to a very smooth finish. The main challenge is a tendency to burn when using high-speed routers or dull saw blades.
Notable Features
Features a mild, pleasant scent when being worked. Known for its photo-reactive nature (darkening significantly upon exposure to UV light). Contains small, naturally occurring black gum pockets.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. A clear oil-based finish or wipe-on varnish is recommended to enhance the natural color change over time. Gel stains are recommended if color matching is needed to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the distinct pale sapwood transition, the characteristic warm reddish-brown heartwood, subtle cathedral grain, and small dark gum streaks are definitive indicators of North American Black Cherry.