Pecan (or Hickory)
Carya illinoinensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight but occasionally wavy or irregular; medium to coarse texture with large pores characteristic of ring-porous woods. The veneer displays mild cathedral patterns and some scattered character marks.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown with a reddish hue; sapwood is pale yellowish brown. This sample shows a medium-toned stain with a warm amber patina. It tends to darken or yellow slightly over long periods of UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,820 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to wood-boring insects. Intended for interior use only as it has low resistance to rot and decay.
Common Uses
Furniture (especially mid-century styles), cabinetry, flooring, tool handles, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Native to North America, specifically Central and Southern United States.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.50 to $7.00 per board foot for solid lumber; varies for vintage furniture pieces.
Wood Age Estimate
40–60 years old. The campaign-style 'campaign' brass hardware and overall construction suggest mid-20th-century origins, approximately 1960s–1970s.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); wide FSC availability. Not CITES listed and considered a sustainable North American resource.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme hardness and density. It has a high blunting effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though pre-boring for screws is essential.
Notable Features
Known for its 'toughness' and resilience. It lacks a distinctive scent but is prized for its high shock resistance. The wood is often mixed with Hickory in commercial sales.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability on furniture. Pre-stain conditioner is recommended to avoid blotching given the varied density of the grain.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The grain structure and pore arrangement are classic for the Carya genus, and Pecan was a staple for this specific style of American mid-century furniture.