Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, uniform texture; features a distinct cathedral pattern on the flat-sawn face and visible dark gum streaks/pockets.
Color Description
Light pinkish-brown heartwood with creamy white sapwood. It has a moderate natural luster and is highly reactive to UV light, darkening to a deep reddish-brown over time.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, musical instruments, turned objects, and small specialty wood items.
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
Relatively fresh post-milling (less than 1 year); lacks the deep oxidation/patina of aged cherry, showing a light pinkish-tan hue.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; planes and sands very smoothly. Prone to burning if saw blades are dull or feed rates are too slow.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet scent when being worked; contains small dark gum spots or streaks which are natural characteristics; high tannin content may cause blotching when stained.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with clear oils (Linseed or Tung) or polyurethane to highlight natural color change; shellac is also recommended to prevent blotching.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the light salmon color, fine texture, gum streaks, and cathedral grain is characteristic of Prunus serotina.