American Cherry (Black Cherry)
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America, particularly prevalent in the Appalachian mountains and Northeastern region of the United States.
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium Hardness)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood shows good resistance to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn (plain-sawn) live-edge slab displaying a distinct cathedral grain pattern along the center. Mostly straight-grained fine texture with subtle wavy figure and characteristic small dark gum flecks/pockets scattered throughout.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from rich golden-pinkish to reddish-brown tones. Sapwood is contrastingly pale cream-to-yellowish along the left edge. The wood exhibits satiny luster and chatoyance, and will naturally darken with age and UV exposure to a deep reddish-mahogany patina.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood shows good resistance to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on slab width, grade, and local lumber prices.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled un-finished rough-sawn lumber stock, likely harvested from a mature tree (50-100+ years old based on slab width).
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List). Abundant and sustainably managed in North America; widely available with FSC certification.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, turnings, veneer, live-edge tabletops, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, particularly prevalent in the Appalachian mountains and Northeastern region of the United States.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes easily to a smooth surface. Sharp tools recommended to avoid burn marks during ripping or routing due to high resin content.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to penetrating oils (danish oil, tung oil) and shellac, which emphasize chatoyance and natural warmth. Clear lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane can be applied for durable protection.
Notable Features
Distinctive dark dark gum pockets and flecks, faint sweet fruity scent when freshly worked, smooth closed-pore texture, and exceptional natural aging characteristics.
