hardwood · Carya ovata
Shagbark Hickory wood properties
Also known as: hickory.
| Type | hardwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Carya ovata |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 2,160,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.80 |
| Density (approx) | 50 lb/ft³ (4.2 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 1,880 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 10.5% / 7% |
| Movement coefficient (CT / CR) | 0.00411 / 0.00259 |
| Region | Eastern United States |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Shagbark Hickory weighs about 16.6 lb (roughly 50 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 1,880 lbf is harder than about 79% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: tool handles, ladder rungs, wheel spokes, flooring.
Durability: Non-durable to perishable, highly vulnerable to insect attack.
Workability: Tough to machine and dulls edges; glues, stains, finishes and steam-bends well.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Shagbark Hickory:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). CT/CR taken from the "Hickory, true" row of the FPL/Hoadley table (shagbark is a true hickory). Uses, region, durability, 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.