Hardwood · Eastern North America
Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Pinkish brown that darkens to deep red-brown with light.
Janka hardness950 lbf
Density (12% MC)35.0 lb/ft³
Weight per board foot2.9 lb
Rot resistanceModerate
Workability5/5
Price$$$
Hardness compared
White pine
Yellow Poplar
Black Cherry
Red Oak
Hard Maple
Shagbark Hickory
Jatoba
Working with Black Cherry
Darkens dramatically in sunlight within months. Prone to blotching — avoid pigment stains.
Typical uses: Fine furniture, cabinetry, turned objects.
Seasonal movement
| Tangential coefficient (flatsawn) | 0.00248 per 1% MC |
|---|---|
| Radial coefficient (quartersawn) | 0.00126 per 1% MC |
| T/R ratio | 1.97 (prone to cupping when flatsawn) |
| 12" flatsawn board, 6% → 11% MC | 0.149" (≈ 3.8 mm) |