Persimmon Wood Guide 2026
Diospyros virginiana
Persimmon is the only native North American member of the Ebony family. While its heartwood is rarely large enough for lumber, the dense, shock-resistant sapwood is exceptionally valuable for specialty applications. Persimmon was historically the wood of choice for golf club heads and textile shuttles due to its unmatched hardness and resistance to wear under impact.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 52 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States
- Price: ~$10 per board foot
- Common uses include Golf club heads (traditional), textile shuttles, turning
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Very fine and uniform texture.
Workability: Very difficult to work due to high hardness and density.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: Polishes to a very high natural sheen.
Color change: Heartwood darkens slightly over time while sapwood remains light.
Insect resistance: Low resistance to decay and insect attack.
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 Persimmon. 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) | Narrow widths due to small tree sizes. | Short lengths typically available. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Narrow widths due to small tree sizes. | Short lengths typically available. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Narrow widths due to small tree sizes.
- Lengths
- Short lengths typically available.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Narrow widths due to small tree sizes.
- Lengths
- Short lengths typically available.
Availability notes: Limited availability often sourced as short turning blanks.
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: Creamy white to pale gray sapwood (most commercially available); small dark brown to black heartwood core
Grain: Straight, fine, even grain with a smooth, dense texture
Common Uses
- Golf club heads (traditional)
- textile shuttles
- turning
- tool handles
- specialty items
- billiard cues
Key Characteristics
Also known as: American Persimmon, Common Persimmon, Possum Wood
Availability: Special Order
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 2,300 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States
- Excellent density for wear resistance
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 Persimmon is unavailable or over budget.
- Hard Maple1,450 lbf Janka
- Boxwood
- Dogwood
Related Species
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