hardwood · Sassafras albidum
Sassafras wood properties
Also known as: common sassafras.
| Type | hardwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Sassafras albidum |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,120,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.50 |
| Density (approx) | 31 lb/ft³ (2.6 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 630 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 6.2% / 4% |
| Region | Eastern United States |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Sassafras weighs about 10.4 lb (roughly 31 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 630 lbf is harder than about 29% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: furniture, fence posts, boatbuilding, utility lumber.
Durability: Rates durable to very durable.
Workability: Easy under hand and power tools, dimensionally stable when dry; glues, stains and finishes well.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Sassafras:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). Uses, region, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Sassafras is not listed in the FPL/Hoadley dimensional change coefficient table (Popular Woodworking reproduction), so CT/CR are omitted. 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.