Cherry (American Black Cherry)
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, closed grain with a fine, uniform texture; shows a classic cathedral pattern when flat-sawn as seen in the sample.
Color Description
Heartwood is light pinkish brown when fresh, darkening to a deep golden reddish brown with light exposure; sapwood is pale yellowish. Moderate luster and subtle chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay, though it offers little resistance to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, turned objects, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (USA and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $5.00 to $9.00 per board foot depending on region and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears relatively fresh or recently surfaced, showing early stages of oxidation and patina development, likely less than 5 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered highly sustainable, with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes well, though it can be prone to burning if router bits are dull or feed rates are too slow.
Notable Features
Features a distinctive, mild, and pleasant scent when being worked; contains small gum pockets (pitch flecks) which are a natural characteristic of the species.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts most finishes well; clear oils or shellac are recommended to highlight the natural color progression. Gel stains are recommended if staining is desired to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the warm reddish-pink hue, closed grain structure, and characteristic pitch flecks (small dark spots) is diagnostic of Prunus serotina.