Boxelder
Acer negundo
Hardness
On the soft side; easy to work, but marks with hard use.
Overview
A soft maple relative famous for dramatic red mineral streaking. Cheap and soft, but the flame-red figure (when present) makes it a turner's prize.
Commonly built
- Turned bowls
- Pens
- Decorative boxes
Appearance
Creamy white to pale tan, often shot through with vivid crimson or pink streaks (from a fungus), the reason anyone seeks it out. The red fades over time without UV protection.
Recommended uses
Uses to avoid
Similar species
Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.
Working notes
Soft and easy to work, but punky or wet stock can be fuzzy, sharp tools help. The prized red streaking fades with light exposure; a UV-blocking finish slows it. Often stabilized for turning.
Common questions
How hard is Boxelder?
Boxelder has a Janka hardness of 720 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.
Is Boxelder suitable for outdoor use?
Boxelder is best used indoors; it is not naturally suited to sustained outdoor or wet conditions.
How easy is Boxelder to work with?
Boxelder has Good workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.
Community photos
Real photos from woodworkers who've used boxelder, reviewed before they appear here.
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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.