WoodSwatch · The Wood Ledger
Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Also known as: American Cherry, Wild Cherry, Cabinet Cherry
Technical Spec Sheet
2026-07-14
Reference grain swatch
- Janka Hardness
- 950 lbf (4,226 N)
- Avg. Dried Weight
- 580 kg/m³ (36 lb/ft³)
- Specific Gravity
- 0.5
- Type
- Hardwood
- Grain
- Usually straight, occasionally curly or figured
- Texture
- Fine and even
- Durability
- Moderately durable
- Region
- North America
- Sustainability
- Sustainable — Sustainable - abundant in North American forests
Overview
Black Cherry is one of the most prized North American cabinet woods, renowned for its rich reddish-brown color that deepens with age and exposure to light. It machines and finishes beautifully, making it a favorite for fine furniture and cabinetry since colonial times.
Heartwood is light reddish-brown when freshly cut, darkening to rich red-brown with age. Sapwood is pale cream to pinkish. Density averages 580 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 950 lbf. Fine, even texture with straight grain. Moderately stable.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Low to moderate - generally easy on tools
Gluing
Excellent gluing properties
Finishing
Excellent - takes stain and finish beautifully, darkens with UV
Steam Bending
Good steam bending characteristics
Scent
Mild, pleasant when worked
Assessment
Strengths
- Beautiful color that darkens with age
- Easy to work
- Stable
- Excellent finishing
Weaknesses
- Sapwood can be extensive
- Color variation
- Can burn with dull tools
Common Uses
Fine furniture · Cabinetry · Veneer · Turnery · Musical instruments · Carving