Mulberry Wood Guide 2026
Morus rubra
Red Mulberry produces a golden to rich brown heartwood with attractive figure and good natural decay resistance. A relative of Osage Orange, Mulberry shares some of that species' durability characteristics in a more workable package. Its warm color, moderate hardness, and rot resistance make it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture, fence posts, and decorative woodworking.
Catalog Price Reference
Unverified catalog note: Domestic hardwood. Bright yellow; rot-resistant. Limited availability.
Unverified catalog reference, not a current offer. Supplier price source, quotation date and exact grade/milling basis are not recorded in these pricing fields. A page update is not price verification; freight and tax remain unknown until quoted. Enter a dated quote and build a specification.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 40 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States
- Catalog price ranges are unverified references, not available offers
- Common uses include Fence posts, outdoor furniture, turning
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Coarse with prominent growth rings.
Workability: Easy to work despite being relatively hard.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: Takes a high polish and finishes well with oils.
Color change: Transitions from a bright yellow to a dark brown over time.
Insect resistance: Highly resistant to decay and wood-destroying insects.
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 Mulberry. 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) | Available in narrow to medium random widths. | Limited to shorter random lengths. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Available in narrow to medium random widths. | Limited to shorter random lengths. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Available in narrow to medium random widths.
- Lengths
- Limited to shorter random lengths.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Available in narrow to medium random widths.
- Lengths
- Limited to shorter random lengths.
Decking & exterior profiles
Custom milled profiles are possible.
Availability notes: Limited commercial availability often sourced from local salvage.
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: Golden yellow to rich brown heartwood that deepens with UV exposure; pale yellow sapwood
Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture
Common Uses
- Fence posts
- outdoor furniture
- turning
- boat building
- cooperage
- decorative items
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Red Mulberry, American Mulberry
Availability: Supplier confirmation required; this reference is not live inventory.
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 1,680 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Very Durable
- Sourced from United States
Considerations
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
- Compare dated quotes on the same grade, dimensions and milling basis
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Mulberry is unavailable or over budget.