Black Cherry Turning Blanks

Black Cherry Specs

Scientific Name

Prunus serotina

Common Name(s)

Black Cherry, American Cherry, Wild Cherry, Cabinet Cherry

Distribution

North America

Average Dried Weight

35 lbs/ft3 (560 kg/m3)

Specific Gravity

Basic: 0.47, 12% MC: 0.56

Janka Hardness

950 lbf (4,230 N)

Modulus of Rupture

12,300 lbf/in2 (84.8 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

1,490,000 lbf/in2 (10.3 GPa)

Crushing Strength

7,110 lbf/in2 (49.0 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 3.7%, Tangential: 7.1%,

Appearance

Black Cherry heartwood varies from rich red to reddish-brown. The sapwood is white.

Texture

It has a fine, straight grain with narrow brown pith flecks and small gum pockets. It has a smooth texture.

Rot Resistance

Moderately durable. Sapwood is susceptible to attack by common furniture beetle. Heartwood is moderately resistant to preservative treatment.

Workability

Works easily with hand and power tools. Moderate blunting effect on cutters. Nails, glues, and stains well. Polishes to an excellent finish.

Odor

Mild, distinctive scent when worked.

Allergies/Toxicity

Sawdust can cause respiratory effects such as wheezing.

Pricing/Availability

Adequate supply. Mid to upper price range for domestic hardwoods.

Sustainability

This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, and is reported by the IUCN as being a species of least concern.

Common Uses

Cabinetry, fine furniture, flooring, interior millwork, veneer, turned objects, and small specialty wood items.

Comments

The reddish-brown patina that makes black cherry lumber so popular develops with age. The aging process is accelerated by sunlight. While black cherry fruit is edible, most edible cherries come from Prunus avium (Sweet Cherry), which is native to Europe and Asia.

Black Cherry Turning Blank Prices