The Species:

Flooring Trade Name: N. American Cherry

Botanical Name: Prunus, serotina

Lumber Name: Black Cherry, American Cherry, N. American Cherry

Grows In: North America

Products / Cherry, N. American

Description:

N. American Cherry is one of America's favorite cabinet and furniture woods, prized for its rich reddish color and fine graining.

Color Range & Color Change:

Color Range: N. American Cherry has a cream colored sapwood which contrasts sharply with the reddish heartwood. In the heartwood the color can range from a pinkish red to darker red. N. American Cherry also has small dark brown gum veins that are part of the character of this species. We supply N. American Cherry in which the contrasting sapwood has been graded out yielding a reasonably uniform reddish wood.

Color Change: N. American Cherry undergoes an extreme degree of color change with pronounced darkening from a pale pink color when fresh milled to a dark reddish color when fully aged. This process occurs within a few weeks in direct sunlight and by oxidation, out of sunlight, over a six to eight month period.

Hardness:

N. American Cherry is only 75% as hard as red oak ( 950 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for red oak ).

Where to Use:

N. American Cherry may be used residentially wherever the distinguished look of one of America's favorite woods will compliment the color scheme of the setting. N. American Cherry is not recommended for use commercially due to its softness.

Stability:

N. American Cherry is average in stability, similar to red oak.

Allergic Reaction Potential:

There are some cases known of dermatitis when coming into contact with N. American Cherry saw dust so care should be taken when working with this wood. Also, wood dust in general can be a hazard.

Known Finish Issues:

There are no known finish compatibility issues known with N. American Cherry. However, ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.