Pecan or Hickory (likely Pecan)
Carya illinoinensis · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern United States and Mexico.
- Hardness
- 1,820 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not kept in a dry, indoor environment.
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Grain Pattern
Typically straight but can be wavy; the cabinet displays cathedral grain on the flat panels and a fine, slightly irregular texture consistent with flat-sawn ring-porous hardwoods.
Color & Appearance
Medium reddish-brown heartwood with lighter, yellowish sapwood (largely obscured by a medium-brown semi-transparent stain). The piece displays a warm patina with intentional distressing (speckling) common in 20th-century furniture.
Hardness (Janka)
1,820 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not kept in a dry, indoor environment.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 - $7.00 per board foot for raw lumber; the value of the finished piece is primarily as vintage furniture rather than raw material.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Approximately 30-50 years old (Late 20th Century, circa 1970s-1980s based on hardware style and finish).
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, tool handles, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Mexico.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand tools due to extreme hardness; tends to dull blades. Glues, stains, and finishes well, as evidenced by the uniform semi-gloss finish on this piece.
Finish Recommendations
Currently finished with a pigment stain and lacquer topcoat. For restoration, use oil-based stains and polyurethane or lacquer to maintain the vintage appearance.
Notable Features
Very high shock resistance; known for having a distinct 'closed' grain compared to Oak, making it ideal for the intricate carvings and moldings seen on this armoire.
