Common names:pecan hickory, faux hickory, Illinois nut
Short Description:The pecan tree can grow from 100 to 130 ft tall with a 2 to 4 ft trunk diameter. It has a straight grain, occasional wave, and medium texture. Pecan wood has a low natural luster.
Country of Origin:USA and Mexico
Color:light to medium brown heartwood accompanied by a reddish hue; pale yellowish brown sapwood
Janka Scale Hardness: 1820 lb f (8100 N)
Dried Average Weight:46 lbs/ft 3 (735 kg/m 3 )
Common Uses:furniture making, flooring, wheel spokes, tool handles, ladder rungs, veneer
What Is Pecan Wood?
Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a species of hickory, but it isn’t as strong as others. However, it is still considered a hard and strong wood among all trees native to the United States, with a Janka hardness rating of 1820.
Live edge pecan is prone to heart decay and insect attack. But it is an excellent shock absorber and is useful for things that require strength. Pecan wood is also notable for its high thermal energy content and makes good fuelwood.
Where Does Pecan Come From?
Pecan trees are native to northern Mexico and the southern United States. Mexico produces nearly half of the world’s supply of pecan. In America, major producers are Texas, New Mexico, and Georgia. The tree is mainly cultivated for its seeds rather than its wood.
How to Distinguish Pecan From True Hickory?
Identifying between pecan and true hickory is a challenge. Some experts may even have a hard time telling them apart. The best way to recognize the hickory wood from each other is to check their parenchyma bands. Pecan has parenchyma bands located in the earlywood and latewood areas. Meanwhile, true hickories don’t have bands in the earlywood section.
Is Pecan a Good Option for Outdoor Furniture?
No, it is not. Pecans deteriorate quickly when placed outside. The sun’s UV rays, oxygen, and humidity levels, as well as ever-changing weather conditions, will only result in heartwood decay and insect attacks.
How to Buy Pecan Slabs
Since pecan is a species of hickory, you can find them mixed with other hickory species most of the time. Most stores also label pecan slabs as hickory instead of pecan. If you want to purchase live edge pecan specifically, tell the salesperson what you are looking for. It also helps to distinguish pecan wood from other types of hickories before buying.
FAQs
Is pecan hardwood or softwood?
Pecan is a hardwood. Unfortunately, many people do not consider it a true hardwood, given its low density. However, the term hardwood refers to trees that shed leaves during fall. Because pecan does not retain its leaves all year round, it is hardwood.
Is pecan easy to work on?
Yes, pecan is difficult to work on. It tears out during machine operations, especially when the blades are not sharp enough. Cutting live-edge pecan may also lead to quick blade dulling. However, the wood does respond well to glues, stains, and finishes. It is also fairly easy to use in steam bending.
How expensive is pecan?
Prices of wood pecan are in the low to mid-range, depending on where you purchase it. Its pricing is almost the same as soft maple and red oak
Where to Buy Pecan
Pecan is normally sold together with other hickory wood. Getting true pecan slabs requires experts who can correctly identify them from other hickory species. That said, you are better off purchasing live edge pecan from specialty dealers such as Alderfer Lumber Company Inc.
We have a stockpile of specialty and exotic natural edge wood slabs for any woodworking project. If you can’t find what you are looking for, call us so we can sort our wood inventory for you.
