hardwood · Carpinus betulus
European Hornbeam wood properties
Also known as: common hornbeam.
| Type | hardwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Carpinus betulus |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,755,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.74 |
| Density (approx) | 46 lb/ft³ (3.8 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 1,630 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 11.5% / 6.8% |
| Region | Europe and western Asia |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of European Hornbeam weighs about 15.4 lb (roughly 46 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 1,630 lbf is harder than about 71% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: flooring, veneer, musical instruments, handles, turning.
Durability: Non-durable to perishable and prone to insects, but exceptionally wear-resistant.
Workability: Dense and tough, so working is hard; superb on the lathe; finishes, glues and stains well.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to European Hornbeam:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). CT/CR omitted: European hornbeam is not listed in the FPL/Hoadley dimensional change coefficient table. Uses, region, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.