American Cherry
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable. Good resistance to decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, uniform texture.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a rich medium reddish-brown to a deeper pinkish-brown, while sapwood is a creamy white. It has a moderate natural luster and darkens significantly to a deeper, richer reddish-brown patina upon exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable. Good resistance to decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 5.00 to 10.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and thickness.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be freshly milled or recently planed lumber, showing little to no advanced patina or surface aging yet.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwood, flooring, musical instruments, and turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally blotch during staining without a conditioner.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, lacquer, and varnish exceptionally well. Pre-stain wood conditioner is recommended if applying uniform dark stains to avoid blotching.
Notable Features
Features distinctive gum pockets, pitch flecks, and fine brown pith flecks. It is renowned for its rapid and dramatic color darkening when exposed to UV light.
