Common names: hackberry, sugarberry, nettle tree, beaver wood
Short Description: Physical-wise, hackberry resembles an ash tree. But, its internal pores and grains are similar to that of elm. It has straight and slightly interlocked grain and a coarse, uneven texture. Hackberry is a good choice of wood for steam bending. The tree can grow from 75 to over 100 ft.
Country of Origin: Eastern North America
Color: light brown to gray heartwood; light yellow sapwood
Janka Scale Hardness: 880 lbf (3910 N)
Dried Average Weight: 37 lbs/ft3 (595 kg/m3)
Common Uses: furniture, cabinetry, boxes and crates, turned objects, doors, moldings, veneer, millwork, bent parts
What Is Hackberry Wood?
There are four species of hackberry in North America. Two are commonly used as wood: common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) and sugarberry (Celtis laevigata). Common hackberry is widely planted, but the one that produces most of the commercial lumber is the sugarberry.
Celtis occidentalis and Celtis laevigata share the same characteristics despite being different species. Thus, both are named Hackberry when sold commercially.
Hackberry is susceptible to insect and fungal attacks. It is also less durable than other hardwoods. In fact, it is even classified as non-durable to perishable. Though it is almost the same weight as black walnut, hackberry is not as hard or strong as black walnut. It is, however, more shock resistant than walnut.
How to Distinguish Real Hackberry Slab
Recognizing a hackberry live edge slab is possible, though with a bit of difficulty. Since it closely resembles elm and ash, identifying a hackberry slab is best left to experts who know the difference between woods at a glance.
But if you want to try it on your own, check for a light brown to gray heartwood. The sapwood usually is broad with a contrasting pale yellow hue. There is a slightly interlocked and straight grain with uneven and coarse texture. Hackberry is also ring-porous and has between two to three rows of large earlywood pores. Due to its similarity with ash, hackberry is sometimes used as a substitute for it.
Is Hackberry a Good Option for Outdoor Furniture?
Hackberry should not be used outside since it is not durable and rots easily. Use of should contain the use of hackberry live edge slab on indoor furniture and cabinetries.
What to Look for When Buying Hackberry
Because hackberry is not as durable as other hardwoods, it is essential to ask how the slab was dried. Improper drying will only result in warping issues and may speed up the wood’s life span. Do not be afraid to ask questions when purchasing any type of wood. A reliable salesman is honest enough to run ropes with you if you are unsure of the right wood you need.
FAQs
Is hackberry easy to glue?
Working with a hackberry live edge slab is relatively easy. Hackberry is easy to glue. You must glue the wood within an hour after cutting to prevent moisture problems while storing. It also stains and finishes nicely, making it a popular choice for many wood makers.
Can I use hackberry for turning?
Definitely, yes. Hackberry is perfect for woodturning. But smaller cuts with knots or areas with interlocked grain might be tricky when machined. When turning hackberry, it is advised to have shallow cuts since this will help prevent splintering. Using sharp tools also leads to better results.
Is hackberry a hardwood or softwood?
Hackberry is a hardwood. Among all hardwoods native to America, hackberry provides the best steam-bending ability.
Where to Buy Hackberry
You can find hackberry live edge slabs in specialty lumber stores such as Alderfer Lumber Company Inc. There is a reasonable supply of this specific wood despite being rare in places where they do not easily grow.
Here at Alderfer, we guarantee quality wood slabs that are sourced, dried, and treated meticulously to ensure clients’ satisfaction. You can contact us to see our current inventory of live edge slabs that is not limited to hackberry.
