Pear

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Pearwood, Peartree, Common Pear, Wild Pear, Poirier (French) Birnbaum (German), Choke Pear

Durability Notes:
Pear wood has some durability but is considered non durable and not suited for exterior applications

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Pear 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; Pear - it is a slow-drying wood and will warp and distort if the stack are not weighted down. Mild kiln-drying is more satisfactory than air-drying. There is very little 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:
Pear is tough and stable. Normally available only in small sections the structural strength categories are not important. It works well overall but has a some blunting effect on cutting edges and sawing can be challenging. Pear planes, sands, nails and screws well, has very good turning qualities and carves really well. It can be polished to a very good finish and has excellent staining properties. Due to it smooth surface it can make a, surprisingly, convincing ebony substitute when dyed black. Pear also peels well for veneer.

Typical Uses:
Furniture, Cabinets, Musical instruments, Boatbuilding, Carving, Turning, Veneers.

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

Commonly asked questions about Pear Wood

Is Pear a hardwood or a softwood? Pear is a hardwood. It is the same for; is Pear hardwood or softwood? - Pear 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 Pear 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 Pear? Pear can be described as light brown, pink/pale red, white/cream (very light brown), orange

Is Pear good for outdoor use? or is Pear good for exterior use? Pear is most suited for interior/interior use. Pear 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