Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight with a fine, uniform, and satiny texture. Features elegant cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces (as seen in the bottom portion of the image) and occasional small gum pockets or pitch flecks.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from a light pinkish brown to a deep reddish brown (as shown here). It is highly photosensitive and will darken significantly to a rich patina over time. Sapwood is a pale cream to yellowish color.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable regarding decay resistance; heartwood is rated as very resistant to rot and moderately resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneers, musical instruments (mostly woodwinds), and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot (depending on width, length, and grade).
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years (based on the deep oxidation/patina reaching a dark reddish-brown hue and the style of the furniture piece and finish wear).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered highly sustainable and frequently FSC certified.
Workability
Excellent. It is known for its superb machining properties, working well with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though it can burn easily if router bits are dull or feed rates are too slow.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when being worked. Known for its 'chatoyance' or shimmer under finish. High fruit-wood density provides good stability once dried.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based varnishes or simple oil finishes (like Tung or Linseed) are ideal to enhance the natural color change; shellac is also a traditional favorite. Gel stains are recommended if color matching is needed to avoid blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the fine-textured grain, distinctive reddish-brown oxidized color, subtle cathedral patterns, and clear evidence of a domestic hardwood furniture application strongly indicates Black Cherry.