Black Cherry (American Cherry)
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America (primarily the Appalachian region and northeastern United States).
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood shows high resistance to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy face grain, flat-sawn with faint cathedral figures and subtle growth rings; displays characteristic fine, closed-grain texture.
Color & Appearance
Rich golden to reddish-brown heartwood central band with distinctly lighter yellowish-cream sapwood along both live edges. Darkens significantly with age and UV light exposure to a deep reddish-brown.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood shows high resistance to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $12.00 per board foot for rough-sawn live-edge stock.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut to recently milled live-edge board (estimated under 5 years old), showing rough sawn mill marks and chalk/pencil layout lines.
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed; IUCN status Least Concern. Widely available and sustainably harvested across Eastern North America, with FSC options common.
Common Uses
Fine furniture making, cabinetry, architectural millwork, turnings, veneer, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (primarily the Appalachian region and northeastern United States).
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and power tools; machines cleanly, sands easily, and glues/fastens exceptionally well. Mild burn tendencies when using dull high-speed cutters.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to clear penetrating oil finishes (danish oil, tung oil) and shellac, which emphasize chatoyance and grain depth; topcoat with lacquer or varnish for protection.
Notable Features
Distinct faint sweet scent when freshly worked; presence of natural dark gum veins or flecks; famous for its rapid darkening and rich patina development when exposed to light.
