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Species Information / Cherry,
North American |
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The Species: |
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Flooring Trade Name: North American Cherry
Botanical Name:
Prunus, serotina
Lumber Name:
Black Cherry, American Cherry, North American
Cherry
Grows In:
North
America
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Products Available in Cherry, N. American |
See
page below for a listing of all the products available in this
species
Products
/ Cherry, North American
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Description: |
| North
American Cherry is one of America’s
favorite cabinet and furniture woods, prized
for its rich reddish color and fine
graining. |
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Color Range & Color Change: |
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Color
Range:
North 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. North American Cherry also
has small dark brown gum veins that are part
of the character of this species. Wood
Flooring International
supplies North American Cherry in which the
contrasting sapwood has been graded out
yielding a reasonably uniform reddish wood.
Color
Change:
North 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.
View our
Color Properties Chart below to compare this specie with other
species:
Color
Properties Chart
View
our North American Cherry Photo Page for photos of the typical
color range
& change to be expected:
North
American Cherry Photo Page
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Hardness: |
North American Cherry is only 75% as hard as red
oak ( 950 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for
red oak ).
For hardness comparisons
to additional species, please go to:
Species
Hardness
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Where to Use: |
| North 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.
North American Cherry is not recommended for use
commercially due to its softness.
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Special
Characteristics / Issues Specific to this Species: |
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Stability:
North American Cherry is average in stability,
similar to red oak. For additional
information, see:
Wood Properties Chart
on the Downloads page.
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Finish Issues: (for site sanding/finishing only) -
none known at this time, see:
Finish Recommendations on the Downloads page
before commencing any site finishing.
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Safety/Allergic Reaction Issues:
There
are some cases known of dermatitis when coming into
contact with North American Cherry saw dust so care
should be taken when working with this wood. - see:
Material Safety on
the Downloads page for safety issues with wood dust.
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Other Characteristics/Issues specific to this species:
none known at this time - see
Feedback
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Cherry,
North American on the
Site Map to see what others have experienced with this
species.
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Technical Information: |
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Note: |
Additional Technical Information
on this species can be accessed from the links below:
U.S. Forest Products Laboratory -
North American Cherry Only
U.S.
Forest Products Laboratory
- to access all species
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