Pecan — Identification, Uses and Properties
Carya illinoinensis Juglandaceae
Valued for high shock resistance and strength. Popular as a flavoring wood for smoking meats (barbecue).
HARDWOOD NORTH AMERICA TOOL HANDLES
Taxonomy & Nomenclature
Botanical Name(s)
Carya illinoinensis
Family
Juglandaceae
Wood type
Hardwood
Local Names
Pecan (United States), Pecano (Mexico), Nogal morado (Mexico)
Origin Region
North America
Main End Uses
Tool handles · Ladder rungs · Wheel spokes · Flooring · Furniture · Cabinetry · Veneer · Fuelwood · Charcoal
Wood Identification Guide
Reference Colour
Light to medium brown with a reddish tint
Texture
Medium
Grain
Straight, occasionally wavy
Sapwood
Lighter yellowish brown
Interlocked Grain
No
Notes
Pecan is identified by its light to medium brown heartwood with a reddish cast and paler yellowish-brown sapwood. It features a ring-porous to semi-ring-porous structure with large earlywood pores in a single row and narrow, closely spaced rays. It has a low natural sheen and is often sold mixed with other hickories.
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Log Description
Tree height
100 – 130 ft
Tree height
30 – 40 m
Diameter
60-120 cm
Buoyancy
Floats
Diameter
23.6-47.2 in
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Density
735 g/cm³ @ 12% MC
Density
45.9 lb/ft³
Monnin Hardness
1,820
Janka Hardness
1,820 lbf
Janka Hardness
8,096 N
Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient
13.6 % / %
Tangential Shrinkage
8.9 %
Radial Shrinkage
4.9 %
T/R Anisotropy Ratio
1.8
Crushing Strength
54.1 MPa
Crushing Strength
7,847 psi
Bending Strength (MOR)
94.5 MPa
Bending Strength (MOR)
13,706 psi
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
11,930 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
1,730,300 psi
Durability & Treatment
Resistance to Decay
Non-durable to perishableDry Wood Borers
Highly vulnerablePreservation Requirements
Against Dry Wood Borers
NecessaryNotes
Highly vulnerable to insect damage and prone to decay if exposed to moisture.Sawing & Machining
Blunting Effect
Tends to dull cutting tools
Suitability Slicing
Suitable for decorative veneer
Notes
Tearout is common during machining; tools must be kept very sharp. It responds well to steam bending.Assembling & Finishing
Nailing Screwing
Pre-boring recommended due to hardness
CITES & Trade Restrictions
CITES Status
Unlisted
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Completeness: 7.4 / 10