Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Sassafras is a distinctive American hardwood known for its pleasant spicy aroma, attractive golden-brown color, and excellent natural durability. This lightweight yet durable wood has been used for centuries in boat building, fence posts, and furniture. Its natural resistance to decay and insects, combined with easy workability and appealing appearance, makes Sassafras a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor projects.
Janka Hardness
630 lbf
Soft hardwood
Density
31 lbs/ft³
Lightweight
Shrinkage
Low (6.2% tangential, 4.0% radial)
Very stable
Appearance
Color: Golden brown to orange-brown heartwood with occasional olive tones. Color varies with age. Sapwood is pale yellow.
Grain: Straight grain with coarse texture. Attractive figure similar to ash. Pleasant spicy aroma.
Key Characteristics
- •Pleasant spicy aroma
- •Good natural decay resistance
- •Lightweight and easy to work
- •Attractive golden-brown color
- •Natural insect resistance
- •Excellent dimensional stability
Common Applications
Maintenance
Good natural durability outdoors. Can be left unfinished for rustic appearance or finished with oil or varnish for enhanced color. Low maintenance.
Advantages
- +Natural decay and insect resistance
- +Easy to work with hand and power tools
- +Pleasant spicy fragrance
- +Good dimensional stability
- +Lightweight makes handling easy
- +Affordable and available
Considerations
- •Relatively soft for a hardwood
- •Can be brittle and split
- •Color variation between boards
- •Limited availability in wide boards
- •Not suitable for heavy structural use
- •Aroma may be too strong for some