Pecan (Hickory)
Carya illinoinensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, though occasionally wavy; medium-to-coarse texture with a slight luster. Features a cathedral pattern when flat-sawn. Ring-porous to semi-ring-porous structure.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with a reddish hue. Sapwood is a pale yellowish brown. Color deepens slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,820 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to slightly durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, tool handles, ladder rungs, sporting goods, and smoking wood for barbecue.
Geographic Origin
South-central United States and Mexico.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 to $7.00 per board foot for dimensional lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
N/A (Living sapling/juvenile specimen shown in image, likely 1-3 years old).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand tools due to high density. Prone to tearout during planing if grain is wavy. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
High shock resistance and strength. Known for its edible nuts and distinct pleasant scent when burned or machined.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; clear coats and oils highlight the natural color variation between heartwood and sapwood.
Identification Confidence
High (Identification based on compound pinnate leaves with 9-17 sickle-shaped, serrated leaflets characteristic of Carya illinoinensis).