Hardwood reference

Black Cherry Wood

Use this Black Cherry wood profile to compare density, weight, Janka hardness, price tier, applications, pros, cons, outdoor fit, and finish behavior before building a cut list.

Density36-42 lb/ft³About 625 kg/m³
WeightMedium-heavyPlan lifting, shipping, and joinery
Hardness1,525 JankaHard surface feel
PriceMedium to highLocal supply changes quickly

Black Cherry properties and best uses

Black Cherry is a hardwood that is commonly evaluated for furniture, cabinets, shelves, interior trim. For early project planning, use the density and Janka values as rough comparison points, then confirm the actual board grade, moisture content, and supplier data before buying.

Applications

  • furniture
  • cabinets
  • shelves
  • interior trim
  • small project parts

Pros

  • Useful strength for woodworking parts
  • Stable feel in finished pieces
  • Works in many shop workflows

Cons

  • Actual boards vary by supplier, grade, and moisture
  • Needs testing before final finish
  • Surface durability may be lower than harder species

Outdoor and finishing notes

Outdoor fit: Best for indoor or protected projects unless supplier data says otherwise.

Finish behavior: Clear finish is usually reliable; stain and paint should be tested on offcuts.

FAQ

Black Cherry wood questions.

Is Black Cherry good for woodworking?

Yes, Black Cherry can work well for furniture, cabinets, shelves when its weight, hardness, price, and finishing behavior fit the project.

How hard is Black Cherry?

The planning value used here is about 1,525 Janka lbf, which puts it in the hard range for surface dent resistance.

What should I verify before buying Black Cherry?

Verify moisture content, board flatness, grade, defects, actual dimensions, supplier price, sustainability notes, and whether the stock is suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Similar woods

Compare nearby hardwood options.

Planning note

Verify actual stock before building.

Wood values vary by species, board, moisture, grade, drying method, supplier, and local market. These pages are for estimating and comparison only, not structural, safety, engineering, or purchasing guarantees.