Pacific Madrone
Arbutus menziesii • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with a very fine, uniform texture; can occasionally exhibit burl or bird's eye figure in larger logs. Split faces show a smooth, dense surface.
Color Description
Heartwood is a pale reddish-brown, often with a pinkish or cream-colored cast. Sapwood is a lighter cream or yellowish color, though the transition is often subtle. It tends to darken to a deeper reddish-gold with age.
Hardness Rating
1,460 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if left outdoors or in contact with the ground.
Common Uses
Turned objects, bowls, fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, tool handles, and high-quality firewood/charcoal.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Coast of North America, ranging from British Columbia down to Southern California.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and availability; often sold in turning blanks.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly split sample, likely harvested within the last 6-18 months based on the bright color of the sapwood and the sharp, clean checks in the end grain.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable but can be difficult to source as large, clear lumber.
Workability
Challenging; very prone to warping and checking during drying. Once stable, it turns and machines beautifully to a high natural luster, though it is quite hard on cutting edges.
Notable Features
Features a distinctive thin, peeling reddish bark. The wood is exceptionally dense and fine-grained, producing an excellent heat output when burned. It can cause skin irritation in some individuals during sanding.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well, especially oils and waxes which highlight the fine texture and warm color. Requires slow, careful drying before finishing to prevent cracking.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the distinctive paper-like reddish bark, the salmon-pink heartwood, the fine pore structure, and the characteristic radial checking in the split log is diagnostic for Northwest Madrone.