Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf, Medium
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with good resistance to decay but susceptible to insect attack in sapwood.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, uniform texture and subtle flat-sawn cathedral patterns.
Color & Appearance
Rich reddish-brown heartwood with a pale yellowish-white sapwood. Freshly cut wood is light pinkish-brown, darkening significantly to a deep reddish-brown patina over time with exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf, Medium
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with good resistance to decay but susceptible to insect attack in sapwood.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively recently milled, showing minimal aging on the exposed face grain.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES appendices or IUCN Red List; widely distributed and sustainable.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, flooring, musical instruments, and turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can blotch during staining due to varying density.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, lacquer, and varnish exceptionally well. Pre-stain conditioner is recommended when applying dark stains to prevent blotching.
Notable Features
Features characteristic gum pockets and fine pith flecks, with a pleasant, faint aromatic scent when freshly worked.
