Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight-grained, fine-textured, and uniform. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern transitioning toward the edges. It may contain small, dark pitch pockets (gum spots) which are visible as tiny dark specks/streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood is light pinkish-brown when freshly cut, darkening to a medium reddish-brown with age and light exposure. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. This sample shows a clear distinction between the darker heartwood and the lighter sapwood strip on the right edge.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Heartwood is rated as very durable and resistant to decay, though it is not typically used for exterior applications. It has moderate resistance to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneers, turned objects, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on region and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be kiln-dried and recently surfaced (S2S or S4S) based on the fresh color and lack of heavy oxidation/patina, likely harvested within the last 1-3 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both machine and hand tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well. One of the best hardwoods for turning. The only challenge is a tendency to burn if using dull router bits or saw blades.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, mild, pleasant scent when being worked. Known for its photo-reactive property where it darkens significantly over time when exposed to sunlight.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to most finishes. Tung oil or linseed oil are popular for enhancing the natural color. Polyurethane or lacquer provide good protection. Use a gel stain if staining to avoid blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the salmon-pink heartwood, cream-colored sapwood, specific gum streaks (pitch pockets), and the fine, closed-grain texture is characteristic of Prunus serotina.