Black Cherry Lumber
Black cherry wood is a stunning wood known for its reddish color and satiny texture. It is known for being one of the best overall woods for workability. Black Cherry is durable and stable, making it a popular wood for furniture. It adds a beautiful accent color when mixed with other species in any woodworking project.
Black Cherry weighs approximately 3 lbs per board foot and has a Janka Hardness of 950. It typically features a straight grain, however, figured pieces may have a curly grain. The texture is even and fine. Cherry wood has a moderate natural luster.
Other Names for Cherry Lumber
The species name of black cherry is Prunus serotina; the tree may also be known as wild black cherry, rum cherry, and mountain black cherry.
Common Uses for Cherry Wood
Cherry wood has a similar grain to maple, but it is softer than hard maple and moderate in weight. Its superior strength, stability, and workability make this wood popular in a variety of projects, from cabinets to accessories. Its rich color brightens kitchens and living spaces. Some uses of cherry wood include:
- Fine furniture – Cherry wood is wonderful for crafting tables, chairs, dressers, and other indoor furniture.
- Cabinetry – Cherry cabinets and vanities add classic style to homes.
- Bookcases and shelves – This hardwood is strong, durable and beautiful, making it a popular choice for display furniture such as bookcases.
- Musical instruments – Valued for its tonal qualities, cherry wood is sometimes used in the construction of acoustic guitars and other string instruments.
- Turned Wood – Cherry is one of the best woods for turning, making stunning candlesticks, bowls, salt and pepper shakers, and more!
- Miscellaneous projects – Cherry is such a pleasure to work with, you can create gunstocks, knick-knacks, jewelry boxes, or anything that requires advanced machining techniques with this lumber.
How We Source Our Cherry Lumber
With over 30 years of experience supplying premium hardwood to international manufacturers, North Castle Hardwoods has a deep commitment to quality and standards. We harvest our cherry lumber from northern regions that produce the finest Prunus serotina. North Castle Hardwood is committed to sustainable harvesting that leaves the forest stronger than they were before while bringing the highest quality wood to our customers.
Our cherry wood is 95% heartwood on one face and is available in dimensional boards with 6/4, 5/4, and 4/4 thicknesses. We also supply cherry thin stock in 1/2”, 1/4”, and 1/8” thicknesses.
We offer our black cherry lumber in widths ranging from 2.5” to 6.5” and lengths ranging from 18” to 48”. Our thin stock is available in widths from 3” to 6.5” and 12” to 48” lengths.
Our S4S (surfaced 4 sides) cherry lumber turning blanks are available in 4/4, 5/4, and 6/4 dimensions, with lengths from 12” to 36”. They are 90-95% heartwood.
Tips for Working With Cherry Lumber
Cherry has a wonderful natural luster when oil-coated or clear-coated. When staining, it may give blotchy results, so many woodworkers will use a sanding sealer before staining. Otherwise, consider using a gel-based stain. Black cherry lumber is not the best choice for outdoor items, as it is susceptible to insect and moisture damage.Cherry wood may burn if used with power tools. You can reduce this risk by using carbide bits on your tools and keeping your blades sharp. Avoid hesitations when working with a router, saw, or drill; slow and steady work will produce the best results.
