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.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 40 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States
- Price: ~$6 per board foot
- 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: Special Order
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 1,680 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Very Durable
- Sourced from United States
- Affordable pricing
Considerations
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Mulberry is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
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