(Sassafras albidum)

Distribution: Eastern USA.

General Description: Sassafras heartwood is pale brown to orange brown, resembling ash or chestnut. The narrow sapwood is yellowish white. The wood has a coarse texture and is generally straight grained. Well known as an aromatic species.

Working Properties: Sassafras is easily worked and takes a finish well. It glues well and holds screws better than it nails, where pre-booring may be necessary to avoid splitting. It requires care in drying as it has a tendency to check with small movement in performance.

Physical Properties: Medium strength in all categories except stiffness, which is low. Suitable for steam bending.

Durability: Sassafras is very resistant to heartwood decay, in exposed damp conditions. The sapwood is liable to attack by powder post beetle. The heartwood is moderately resistant to preservative treatment but the sapwood is permeable.

Availability: USA - Limited as lumber and veneer. Export - Lumber extremely limited, veneer more available.

Main Uses: Furniture, interior and exterior joinery, windows, doors and door frames and kitchen cabinets.