Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately durable. Good resistance to decay, but susceptible to insect attack in the sapwood.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, uniform texture and subtle flat-sawn cathedral patterns.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light pinkish-brown to a deeper reddish-brown, while the narrower sapwood is yellowish-white. Darkens significantly to a rich, lustrous amber/deep reddish-brown patina over time with exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable. Good resistance to decay, but susceptible to insect attack in the sapwood.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be a recently milled or modern kiln-dried board, showing minimal surface oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available and sustainably managed in North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, musical instruments, turning, and carving.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally blotch during staining due to its fine pore structure.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, and varnishes exceptionally well. A pre-stain conditioner is often recommended if uniform stain absorption is desired.
Notable Features
Features distinct dark pith flecks (small brown streaks caused by fruit fly larvae damage to the cambium) and gum pockets, which are characteristic of the species.
