hardwood · Carya illinoinensis
Pecan wood properties
Also known as: pecan hickory.
| Type | hardwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Carya illinoinensis |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,730,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.74 |
| Density (approx) | 46 lb/ft³ (3.8 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 1,820 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 8.9% / 4.9% |
| Region | South-central United States and Mexico |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Pecan weighs about 15.4 lb (roughly 46 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 1,820 lbf is harder than about 77% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: tool handles, ladder rungs, wheel spokes, flooring.
Durability: Non-durable to perishable, with high vulnerability to insect attack.
Workability: Tough to machine and dulls edges, but glues, stains, finishes and steam-bends well.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Pecan:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). Pecan (a pecan hickory) is not the "Hickory, true" entry in the FPL/Hoadley table and is not separately listed, so CT/CR are omitted. Uses, region, durability, workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.