The Sassafras Family

sassafrasSassafras

Scientific Name: Sassafras albidum
Location: eastern USA
Dried Weight: 31lbs/ft3
Janka Hardness: 630lbf
Crushing Strength: 6,600lbf /in2

Sassafras has a heartwood that is medium to light brown, sometimes with an orange or olive hue. The color will darken with age. The sapwood is a paler yellowish brown. The grain is straight and has a coarse uneven texture. The end grain is ring-porous. The wood is rated as durable to very durable in regards to decay. It is easy to work with and glues, stains, and finishes well.

 

black-heart-sassafrasBlackheart Sassafras

Scientific Name: Atherosperma moschatum
Location: Australia
Dried Weight: 39lbs/ft3
Janka Hardness: 1,090lbf
Crushing Strength: 6,400lbf /in2

Blackheart Sassafras has a heartwood that is naturally grey to golden brown and a sapwood that is pale yellow. The grain is straight and it has a uniform fine to medium texture. The wood gives off a low natural lustre. The wood is rated as non-durable to perishable in regards to decay. The end grain is diffuse-porous. It is easy to work with and turns, glues, stains, and finishes well.