Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight-grained with a fine, uniform, satiny texture. Features a classic cathedral pattern on the flat-sawn face visible in the image, with occasional small gum streaks or pin knots.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish-brown when freshly cut, deepening to a rich reddish-brown with age and exposure to light. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It exhibits a high natural luster and significant chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; however, it is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneers, turned objects, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (specifically the Midwestern and Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears recently milled or surfaced based on the lack of deep oxidation (patina); it has not yet reached the deep 'burnt orange' characteristic of aged cherry.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both machine and hand tools. It planes, glues, and finishes well. The main challenge is its tendency to burn if saw blades are dull or feed speeds are too slow.
Notable Features
Features a mild, aromatic scent when being worked. Known for its 'blotchiness' when staining, requiring a pre-stain conditioner or washcoat. Contains natural chemicals that darken quickly in UV light.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (like Tung or Linseed oil) are highly recommended to enhance the natural color deepening. Shellac and clear lacquer are also excellent choices to showcase the grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the light reddish-tan color, smooth grain texture, and characteristic cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face is highly indicative of Prunus serotina.