Hackberry Wood Guide 2026
Celtis occidentalis
Hackberry is an underappreciated domestic hardwood closely related to Elm. Its pale yellowish-gray wood has a similar look and working properties to Ash and Elm, making it a versatile and affordable alternative. Hackberry bends well, machines cleanly, and takes stain readily, finding use in furniture, millwork, and sporting goods.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 37 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States, Canada
- Price: ~$3.5 per board foot
- Common uses include Furniture, millwork, boxes
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Medium to coarse with a straight grain.
Workability: Easy to machine, sand, and glue.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: Takes stains and finishes well.
Color change: Color remains relatively stable over time.
Insect resistance: Highly susceptible to powderpost beetles.
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Hackberry. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths from 4 to 10 inches. | Random lengths 6 to 12 feet. | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths from 4 to 10 inches. | Random lengths 6 to 12 feet. | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths from 4 to 10 inches. | Random lengths 6 to 12 feet. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths from 4 to 10 inches. | Random lengths 6 to 12 feet. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 10 inches.
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6 to 12 feet.
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 10 inches.
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6 to 12 feet.
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 10 inches.
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6 to 12 feet.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 10 inches.
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6 to 12 feet.
Availability notes: Widely available as a utility hardwood.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Yellowish gray to light brown with little distinction between heartwood and sapwood
Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture resembling Ash
Common Uses
- Furniture
- millwork
- boxes
- crates
- sporting goods
- plywood
- veneer
- turning
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Common Hackberry, Sugarberry, Beaverwood, Nettletree
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 880 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States, Canada
- Affordable pricing
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Hackberry is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
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