Hardwood Floors June/July 2018

SPECIES SPECS Ch e r r y, B l a c k (Ame r i ca n ) RESOURCES

Prunus Serotina

Deciduous tree found primarily in southeastern Canada through the eastern half of the U.S. The majority is produced in the mid-Atlantic states. Readily available. ORIGIN: Black (American) cherry is considered a premium and highly sought-after species commonly used as lumber and veneer in flooring, cabinetmaking, furniture, gunstocks, musical instruments, architectural woodwork, interior millwork, and decorative veneers. USES:

Image courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation

The heartwood ranges from a light pink to light brown color when first cut/sanded, then darkens to a deep reddish brown over a short period of time. The sapwood can be a light brown to pale yellowish tone. The color patinas significantly with age, and can be accelerated by exposure to light. COLOR: The grain is normally straight, with a fine and uniform texture. Dark streaks and curly or wavy texture is also common with cherry. The texture is satiny, with some gum pockets. Quartersawn wood often shows distinctive flake patterns. The grain is semi-ring-porous to diffuse-porous. GRAIN: Great variety of color and figure within the species, as well as variation in color among boards, especially in lower grades. VARIATIONS WITHIN SPECIES AND GRADES:

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