Sassafras: Domestic Hardwood
Sassafras wood is classified as a domestic hardwood lumber that is located throughout the eastern United States.
The sapwood is light yellow and narrow; the heartwood is orange to dark brown, occasionally with orange swirls about ¼ to ½ inch in diameter. The wood is ring porous, making the growth rings very distinct. The early pores are easily seen with the naked eye. The wood, when freshly cut, has the distinctive odor of Sassafras. The wood tends to darken with exposure to light.
Sassafras has excellent machining characteristics and is a favorite for home woodworking projects. Sassafras is also a great alternative to White Oak, and it has the same looking grain but is much lighter and is typically more affordable.
Sassafras has a Janka hardness of 630.
Characteristics
| Origin of Wood Type | Eastern U.S. |
| Botanical Name | Sassafras Albidum |
| Specific Gravity | .50 |
| Avg. Weight Per BF | 3.5 lbs |
| Color Range | Tan to brown heartwood, sapwood is lighter |
| Rarity / Availability | Common |
| Typical Avg. Width | 5 – 12 inches |
| Typical Avg. Length | 8 – 12 feet |
| Avg. Waste Factor | 20% |
| Wood Uses | All woodworking and cabinetry, the heartwood is good for exterior |
| Lumber Grades | FAS through 2 common |
| Other Trade Names | Sassafras |