American 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 if exposed.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, uniform texture. The boards show flat-sawn patterns with minimal figuring, typical of select commercial lumber.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a rich medium reddish-brown to a deeper reddish tone, while the narrow sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. Cherry has a distinct golden luster and darkens significantly to a deeper patina upon exposure to light and air over time.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable. Good resistance to decay, but susceptible to insect attack if exposed.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 10.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or recently processed commercial lumber, approximately 1 to 3 years old.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List. Widely abundant and sustainably managed in North American forests.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, flooring, musical instruments, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally blotch during staining due to its fine pores.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil, lacquer, and polyurethane exceptionally well. A pre-stain conditioner is recommended if using darker stains to prevent blotching.
Notable Features
Known for its smooth texture, distinct reddish-brown aging process, and subtle pitch pockets or gum streaks occasionally visible.
