American Cherry

Cherry’s Wood Color and Appearance

Heartwood is a light pinkish brown when freshly cut, darkening to a medium reddish brown with time and exposure to light. Sapwood is a pale yellowish color. It is not uncommon for boards to contain some sapwood along the outer edges.

Cherry develops a rich reddish-brown patina as it ages. This aging process can be accelerated by exposing the wood to direct sunlight or by applying dyes, pigments, or penetrating oils such as Danish/Linseed oil.

Not to be confused with sweet cherry (Prunus avium), a tree native to Europe and Asia, which is the primary source of edible cherries, and is not nearly as widely used for lumber. While the fruit of the American/Black cherry is edible, it is mainly considered a timber species.

Grain and Texture

The grain is usually straight, and when flat sawn, exhibits a cathedral pattern, except in figured pieces, which may exhibit curly patterns. The heartwood is rated as being durable and resistant to decay.