Sassafras Wood Guide 2026
Sassafras albidum
Sassafras is a distinctive American hardwood with a warm golden-brown heartwood and a spicy, root-beer-like aroma. Lightweight yet surprisingly durable, it has been used historically for fence posts, boat building, and furniture. Its natural decay resistance and easy workability make it a hidden gem among domestic hardwoods.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 31 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States, Canada
- Price: ~$5.5 per board foot
- Common uses include Fence posts, boat building, furniture
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: The texture is coarse and similar to White Ash.
Workability: It works easily with both hand and machine tools.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: It glues and finishes well with most products.
Color change: The wood is relatively color-stable but may dull with sunlight exposure.
Insect resistance: It is highly resistant to decay and subterranean termites.
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 Sassafras. 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) | Typically sold in random widths from 4 to 10 inches. | Usually found in random lengths from 6 to 12 feet. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Typically sold in random widths from 4 to 10 inches. | Usually found in random lengths from 6 to 12 feet. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Typically sold in random widths from 4 to 10 inches.
- Lengths
- Usually found in random lengths from 6 to 12 feet.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Typically sold in random widths from 4 to 10 inches.
- Lengths
- Usually found in random lengths from 6 to 12 feet.
Decking & exterior profiles
Rarely stocked as a standard decking profile.
Availability notes: Availability is limited and primarily sourced from small regional mills.
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 brown to orange-brown heartwood with pale yellow sapwood
Grain: Straight to interlocked grain with a coarse, uneven texture
Common Uses
- Fence posts
- boat building
- furniture
- millwork
- cooperage
- decorative trim
Key Characteristics
Also known as: White Sassafras, Cinnamon Wood, Ague Tree
Availability: Special Order
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 630 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Very 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 Sassafras is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
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