Pear — Identification, Uses and Properties
Pyrus communis Rosaceae
Popular for woodwinds (flutes) and high-quality internal joinery. Frequently used as a substitute for ebony when dyed black.
HARDWOOD EUROPE VENEER
Taxonomy & Nomenclature
Botanical Name(s)
Pyrus communis
Family
Rosaceae
Wood type
Hardwood
Local Names
Birnbaum (Germany), Poirier (France), Swiss Pear (Switzerland), Common Pear (United Kingdom)
Origin Region
Europe
Main End Uses
Veneer · Architectural millwork · Marquetry · Inlay · Carving · Musical instruments · Furniture · Cabinetry · Turned objects
Wood Identification Guide
Reference Colour
Pale pink to light reddish-brown
Texture
Very fine, uniform
Grain
Generally straight
Sapwood
Slightly paler than heartwood, often not clearly demarcated.
Interlocked Grain
No
Notes
Fine-textured, uniform wood with a pale pink to light reddish-brown color. Features solitary, small pores invisible to the naked eye. No distinctive odor. Often steamed to intensify the pink hue or dyed black as an ebony substitute.
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Log Description
Tree height
20 – 30 ft
Tree height
6 – 9 m
Diameter
15-70 cm
Sapwood Thickness
Not distinctly different cm
Buoyancy
Float
Log Conservation
Logs should be processed rapidly to prevent fungal decay and staining as the wood is non-durable.
Diameter
5.9-27.6 in
Sapwood Thickness
Not distinctly different in
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Density
690 g/cm³ @ 12% MC
Density
43.1 lb/ft³
Monnin Hardness
4
Janka Hardness
1,200 lbf
Janka Hardness
5,338 N
Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient
0.46 % / %
Tangential Shrinkage
11.3 %
Radial Shrinkage
3.9 %
T/R Anisotropy Ratio
2.9
Fibre Saturation Point
28 %
Thermal Conductivity
0.17 W/m·K
Thermal Conductivity
0.098 BTU/(h·ft·°F)
Lower Heating Value
18.5 MJ/kg
Lower Heating Value
7,959 BTU/lb
Crushing Strength
44.1 MPa
Crushing Strength
6,396 psi
Bending Strength (MOR)
83.3 MPa
Bending Strength (MOR)
12,082 psi
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
7,800 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
1,131,294 psi
Durability & Treatment
Resistance to Decay
Non-durableDry Wood Borers
SusceptibleTermites
SusceptibleTreatability
DifficultUse Class
1Preservation Requirements
Against Dry Wood Borers
Requires treatment for interior use if risks are present.Temporary Humidification
Susceptible to staining.Permanent Humidification
Not recommended.Notes
Classified as non-durable regarding decay resistance; recommended for interior use only.Drying Schedule & Risks
Drying Rate
Slow
Risk Distortion
High
Risk Case Hardening
Low
Risk Checking
High
Risk Collapse
Moderate
Suggested Schedule
Mild kiln-drying is preferred over air-drying.
Sawing & Machining
Blunting Effect
Moderate
Tooth For Sawing
Fine tooth blades recommended.
Machining Tools
Sharp tools required to prevent burning and ensure smooth finish.
Suitability Peeling
Good
Suitability Slicing
Excellent
Notes
Overall easy to work with hand and machine tools; exceptionally good for turning and carving fine details.Assembling & Finishing
Nailing Screwing
Good
Fire Safety & Ratings
French Grading Thick Gt14mm
M3
French Grading Thick Lt14mm
M4
Euroclass
D-s2, d0
CITES & Trade Restrictions
CITES Status
Unlisted
Trade Notes
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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Completeness: 9.8 / 10