Mesquite Hardwood

Mesquite

Mesquite wood, also known by its botanical name Prosopis juliflora, is a rich, deep golden-to red-brown timber with dark wavy lines. It has a fine- to medium-texture open grain, ranging from straight to wavy in form and is often characterised by dramatic figuring and attractive burrs (burls). The sapwood is a pale yellowish-white and can be up to 25mm thick. The variety illustrated is known as velvet mesquite.

Mesquite is a highly versatile timber, often used for furniture, turnery, flooring and much more. It is an excellent choice for crafting unique and eye-catching pieces due to its attractive colour and figuring.

If available from sustainable and legal sources, Mesquite is an excellent choice for a range of projects. Its durability and strength make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

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Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Honey Locust, Algarroba, Ironwood, Honeypod, Texas Ironwood, Honey Mesquite

Durability Notes:
Mesquite wood is moderately durable

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Mesquite is dependant on a number of factors; the speed in which it is processed after felling and logging, the method of drying and the specific kilns or location (if air dried). Generally the care taken by those processing the wood will have an impact on its drying and seasoning. As an overview; Mesquite - dries well, but can develop small checks when air-dried. There is small movement in service. Please note that all wood is liable to move when in service plus there can be dimensional change. The extent of this will depend on; the stability of the species itself, the conditions it is exposed to, the coating, decoration and protection. You will find more information about the suitability of this wood, for any proposed application, by using our interactive system and the filters shown.

Properties:
Mesquite is hard, tough and heavy. It has high crushing and bending strengths. Mesquite has medium stiffness and resistance to shock loads and a tolerable steam-bending classification. The wood works easily with both machine and hand tools, with only a slight blunting effect on cutters. Pre-drilling is required for nailing. Mesquite can be brought to a smooth sanded finish but it is not quite so easy to achieve a good result with stains or polishes.

Typical Uses:
Furniture, Cabinetry, Flooring, Carvings, Musical Instruments, Firewood, Charcoal.

Moisture Content:
Guide - 10-18% for KD (+/- 2%)

Commonly asked questions about Mesquite Wood

Is Mesquite a hardwood or a softwood? Mesquite is a hardwood. It is the same for; is Mesquite hardwood or softwood? - Mesquite is a hardwood.

Most groups/families of species share the same characteristics but this normally relates to their life as plants. Individual species do not always share the same characteristics as their relatives, in terms of the wood. Many factors influence how we use the wood and what we use it for, including where it grows, how it is forested, how it seasons/dries, etc. The answers to the following common questions, therefore relate to this particular species/wood and not the Mesquite family as a whole. Even more specific – our answers relate to the wood (as we know it) in its form as a useable resource.

What colour is Mesquite? Mesquite can be described as dark brown, dark red, red

Is Mesquite good for outdoor use? or is Mesquite good for exterior use? Mesquite is most suited for interior/interior use. Mesquite can be used as an exterior/external timber (without treatment).

Whether the wood is naturally durable or not we would still recommend that it is decorated and/or coated with a suitable product to provide protection and/or maintain its appearance. This even applies when using the wood internally as, even subtle, changes in temperature or humidity will affect the wood. This will depend on the application/purpose of the wood and the user’s desired appearance. We also recommend that a recoating, care and maintenance programme is adhered to, for the life of an exterior wood. Wood cannot rot if it is kept dry – coatings and decoration can provide this protection. All of that said there are many durable timbers that are often left to weather naturally and will last for many years untreated/coated – movement and visual changes will occur but this is sometimes the desired effect. All wood is hygroscopic (it 'wants' to be in tune with its environment) it will therefore take on water from moisture in the air (or when directly exposed to or submerged in water) and ‘release it’ when dry or exposed to heat. This, inevitably, results in movement and dimensional change. For more about moisture in wood please click here - Moisture in wood

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