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Apple

Malus domestica

$$$ · PremiumHardwoodDomestic (North America)
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Hardness (Janka)
1730 lbf
Workability
Fair
Seasonal movement?
Large
Type
Hardwood

Hardness

Hard and durable; stands up to wear and traffic.

Pine
Cherry
Red Oak
Hard Maple
Hickory

Overview

A hard, fine-grained fruitwood prized by turners and carvers for its smooth texture and warm color. Small, often gnarly stock, and it moves and checks readily.

Commonly built

Appearance

Pale pinkish to reddish-brown, fine and even-textured with a subtle luster. Often comes with character, knots and irregular grain.

Recommended uses

Turned objectsCarvingTool handlesMallet headsSmall boxes

Uses to avoid

Large flat panels

Similar species

Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.

Working notes

Hard and dense but works to a beautiful smooth surface. Notorious for warping and checking as it dries, seal ends and dry slowly. Excellent for turning, carving, and small detailed work.

Common questions

How hard is Apple?

Apple has a Janka hardness of 1730 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.

Is Apple suitable for outdoor use?

Apple is best used indoors; it is not naturally suited to sustained outdoor or wet conditions.

How easy is Apple to work with?

Apple has Fair workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.

Community photos

Real photos from woodworkers who've used apple, reviewed before they appear here.

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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.