Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately durable regarding decay, with good overall resistance to rot when not in direct ground contact.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight and uniform with a fine, smooth texture, occasionally showing slight irregular or wavy patterns.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a rich light reddish-brown, which darkens significantly to a deeper, lustrous reddish-brown with age and light exposure. The distinct sapwood is a pale yellowish-white.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable regarding decay, with good overall resistance to rot when not in direct ground contact.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot for standard domestic lumber grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber showing fresh saw marks, estimated to be under 1 year since harvesting.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely abundant and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwood, flooring, musical instruments, turned objects, and carving.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally burn during machining if feeds are too slow.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts oil-based finishes, shellac, varnish, and polyurethane exceptionally well, bringing out its natural chatoyancy and deep color.
Notable Features
Features distinct gum pockets and fine pith flecks, with a pleasant, faint aromatic scent when freshly cut. Highly prized for its aging patina.
