Black Cherry
Also known as American Cherry, Prunus serotina.
Prunus serotina (Rosaceae) · Eastern North America
Cherry is the wood that rewards patience. Freshly milled it can look almost blonde, but give it a few months in the light and it ripens into the deep, warm reddish-brown that makes American cherry furniture so prized. That color shift is natural and permanent — plan your project around where it will finish, not where it starts.
It is one of the most pleasant hardwoods in the shop: it cuts and sands to a satin surface, takes a hand-rubbed finish beautifully, and holds fine detail. We kiln-dry and mill cherry for furniture and cabinet makers who want a warm, refined domestic hardwood. Ask us about wide stock and clear grades for tabletops and panels.
Appearance
Color. Light pinkish-brown when fresh, darkening to a rich reddish-brown with age and light.
Grain. Straight and fine, often with subtle gum flecks and figure.
Texture. Fine, even texture with a natural satiny luster.
Photosensitive — the color deepens and ambers with UV exposure over time.
Working & finishing
A favorite to work — it machines cleanly, turns and carves well, glues easily, and finishes to a glass-smooth surface with almost no effort.
Drying. Dries fairly easily with moderate movement; stable once dry.
Durability
Moderately durable; best used indoors.
Common uses
Looking for Black Cherry?
We stock and mill a wide range of species and grades. Tell us your sizes and we'll confirm availability and pricing — usually within one business day.