Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Finely textured with a straight, closed grain. Shows a gentle cathedral figure on the face and subtle ripple or wavy grain near the knot at the bottom; lacks the prominent rays of oak or the open pores of ash.
Color Description
Light pinkish-brown heartwood with pale creamy sapwood on the edges. Known for its distinct photo-reactivity, darkening significantly to a deep reddish-brown with age and exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, musical instruments, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from eastern Canada through the eastern United States to the Gulf of Mexico.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local market.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or surfaced sample; the light pink color suggests it has not yet undergone significant oxidation or UV-induced darkening.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and considered a sustainable domestic hardwood.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, sands, and glues very well. High sugar content can lead to burning if using dull blades or high router speeds.
Notable Features
Faint, mild scent when being worked; contains natural sugars that can scorch; highly prized for its smooth texture and aging characteristics.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) which highlight the grain; clear lacquer or polyurethane are also common. Can be prone to blotching if stained without a pre-conditioner.
Identification Confidence
High; the specific salmon-pink hue, terminal parenchyma lines seen in the cathedral figure, and close grain texture are diagnostic for Prunus serotina.