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American sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Other names: Golden elm
Distribution
Eastern USA.
General description
Sassafras heartwood is pale brown to orange brown, resembling ash
or chestnut. The narrow sapwood is yellowish white. The wood has
a coarse texture and is generally straight grained. Well known as
an aromatic species.
Working properties
Sassafras is easily worked and takes a finish well. It glues well
and holds screws better than it nails, where pre-boring may be necessary
to avoid splitting. It requires care in drying as it has a tendency
to check with small movement in performance.
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Physical properties
Medium strength in all categories except stiffness which is low.
Suitable for steam bending.
Specific Gravity: 0.46 (12% M.C.)
Average Weight: 497 kg/m3 (12% M.C.)
Average Volumetric Shrinkage: 8.2% (Green to 6% M.C.)
Modulus of Elasticity: 7722 MPa
Hardness: 2802 N
Durability
Sassafras is very resistant to heartwood decay, in exposed damp
conditions. The sapwood is liable to attack by powder post beetle.
The heartwood is moderately resistant to preservative treatment
but the sapwood is permeable.
Availability
USA: Limited as lumber and veneer.
Export: Lumber extremely limited, veneer more available.
Main uses
Furniture, interior and exterior joinery, windows, doors and door
frames and kitchen cabinets. |
