Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine, closed grain with a smooth texture. The sample shows a prominent cathedral pattern (flat-sawn) and some small, dark gum pockets which are characteristic of the species.
Color Description
The heartwood is a light pinkish-brown in this fresh state, which will darken to a deep reddish-brown with exposure to light. The sapwood is creamy white to pale yellowish. It has a high natural luster.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; heartwood is resistant to decay while sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, tool handles, and small turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $8.00 per board foot (subject to regional availability and grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young or freshly milled; it lacks the deep oxidation and amber patina typically seen in cherry older than 2–5 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; considered highly sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes very well. The main challenge is a tendency to burn when machined with dull blades or high router speeds.
Notable Features
Often contains small black gum streaks (pith flecks). It has a mild, pleasant scent when being worked and is famous for its dramatic darkening over time when exposed to UV light.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) or shellac are recommended to highlight the natural color change. If staining, a wood conditioner is suggested to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the light pinkish hue, fine closed-grain texture, specific cathedral figure, and visible small gum pockets is diagnostic for Black Cherry.