Pear
Pyrus communis
Hardness
Hard and durable; stands up to wear and traffic.
Overview
A fine, even fruitwood with a soft rosy hue, beloved for carving, turning, and fine detail. Often steamed to a pink-blush tone. Stable for a fruitwood.
Commonly built
- Carvings
- Recorders and instruments
- Marquetry
- Boxes
Appearance
Pale pinkish-tan to light rosy brown, with an extremely fine, uniform texture and almost no visible grain. Steamed pear takes on a deeper pink.
Recommended uses
Uses to avoid
Similar species
Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.
Working notes
Hard but cuts cleanly in any direction thanks to its fine even grain, a carver's and turner's favorite. Holds crisp detail. Glues and finishes superbly. More stable than apple.
Common questions
How hard is Pear?
Pear has a Janka hardness of 1660 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.
Is Pear suitable for outdoor use?
Pear is best used indoors; it is not naturally suited to sustained outdoor or wet conditions.
How easy is Pear to work with?
Pear has Good workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.
Community photos
Real photos from woodworkers who've used pear, reviewed before they appear here.
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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.