Shagbark Hickory
Carya ovata · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1820 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, susceptible to decay and powderpost beetles if untreated.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a coarse, uneven texture.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is pale to reddish brown with contrasting white to cream-colored sapwood. Low natural luster, darkens slightly with age.
Hardness (Janka)
1820 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, susceptible to decay and powderpost beetles if untreated.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot for standard lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently harvested or freshly cut raw log section, estimated under 1 year old based on bark condition and lack of weathering.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern, widely available and abundant in North American forests, not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists.
Common Uses
Tool handles, ladder rungs, dowels, furniture, flooring, sporting goods like drumsticks and baseball bats.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme hardness and high density. Prone to blunting cutting edges quickly. Pre-boring is required for nailing and screwing. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and clear finishes (polyurethane, lacquer, oil) very well after proper sanding.
Notable Features
Extremely high shock resistance and bending strength. Distinctive shaggy, peeling bark plates visible on the sample.
