Old Growth Black Cherry represents mature Black Cherry timber from trees that grew for 150-250 years in the virgin hardwood forests of eastern North America. Black Cherry is one of the most prized furniture woods in North America, and old-growth specimens represent the finest examples of this species. These trees, growing slowly over 150-250 years in mixed hardwood forests, developed the rich color and fine grain characteristics that make cherry lumber so desirable.
The heartwood of old-growth cherry displays the rich reddish-brown color that cherry is famous for, though it starts as a lighter pinkish-brown and darkens significantly with age and exposure to light. Old-growth specimens often show deeper, richer colors than younger trees, with a lustrous surface that seems to glow from within. The grain is typically straight and fine, with a smooth, even texture that makes it exceptional for furniture and cabinetry applications.
One of the most appealing characteristics of Old Growth Cherry is how it continues to develop color and patina over time. The wood’s natural tendency to darken and enrich means that old-growth specimens have had decades or centuries to develop their full color potential. This aging process creates depth and richness that cannot be achieved through staining or artificial coloring methods.
The workability of Old Growth Cherry is exceptional. The wood machines beautifully, with minimal tearout even when working figured grain. It takes finishes superbly, with clear finishes highlighting the natural color and subtle grain patterns. The wood’s stability is excellent, with minimal tendency to move or warp once properly dried. The fine, even grain makes it ideal for detailed work and carving.
Rich Natural Color – Deep reddish-brown heartwood continues to darken with age and light exposure, developing unmatched richness over time.
Exceptional Workability – The wood machines and finishes beautifully with minimal defects, making it ideal for fine furniture and detailed millwork.
Outstanding Stability – This lumber shows minimal movement and excellent dimensional stability, remaining true even under varying environmental conditions.
Premium Furniture Wood – Old Growth Cherry is prized for fine furniture and cabinetry applications due to its beauty and working characteristics.
Natural Luster – The wood possesses an inherent sheen that highlights its natural beauty and creates depth in finished pieces.
Continuing Color Development – Unlike most woods, cherry continues to darken and enrich over decades, making pieces more beautiful with age.