Pecan Wood Guide 2026
Carya illinoinensis
Pecan is a member of the Hickory family prized for its attractive grain, excellent strength, and warm color. Slightly softer than true hickories but still very hard, Pecan offers beautiful color variation from creamy white sapwood to reddish-brown heartwood. It is popular for flooring, cabinetry, and smoking meat, delivering a mild, sweet smoke flavor.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 46 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States (Southern states), Mexico
- Price: ~$5.75 per board foot
- Common uses include Flooring, cabinetry, furniture
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Coarse with a straight to wavy grain.
Workability: Difficult to machine due to hardness and tendency to blunt cutting edges.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: Stains and polishes well when surfaces are sanded properly.
Color change: Aged color typically shifts slightly toward a mellow golden brown.
Insect resistance: Highly susceptible to powderpost beetles and fungal decay.
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 Pecan. 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 common. | Random lengths ranging from 8 to 16 feet. | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths from 4 to 10 inches common. | Random lengths ranging from 8 to 16 feet. | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths from 4 to 10 inches common. | Random lengths ranging from 8 to 16 feet. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths from 4 to 10 inches common. | Random lengths ranging from 8 to 16 feet. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 10 inches common.
- Lengths
- Random lengths ranging from 8 to 16 feet.
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 10 inches common.
- Lengths
- Random lengths ranging from 8 to 16 feet.
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 10 inches common.
- Lengths
- Random lengths ranging from 8 to 16 feet.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 10 inches common.
- Lengths
- Random lengths ranging from 8 to 16 feet.
Availability notes: Widely available in the southern United States.
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: Light reddish brown heartwood with creamy white to pale brown sapwood; often sold with mixed heartwood and sapwood
Grain: Straight to slightly wavy grain with a medium texture
Common Uses
- Flooring
- cabinetry
- furniture
- tool handles
- smoking wood
- turning
- veneer
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Sweet Pecan, Pecan Hickory
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 1,820 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States (Southern states), Mexico
- 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 Pecan is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
Explore More on Lumberama
Popular Applications
Comparisons
Calculators & Tools
Related Blog Posts
Heat Pump Guide: Types, Cost & How They Work
Heat and cool your home efficiently with one system.
Read articleAir Conditioning Guide: Types, Cost & Efficiency
Stay cool and save money on cooling.
Read articleWater Heater Guide: Types, Cost & Replacement
Choose the best water heater for your home.
Read article