Is Pecan Wood Expensive? (Facts You Should Know)

One of the most basic questions that most woodworkers may have in their minds is: Is pecan wood expensive?

Pecan wood is not very expensive which makes it the best and cheaper alternative to other types of hardwood. It is due to the fact that the raw material for pecan is easily available in areas where pecan trees thrive.

But that’s not all and there are some other facts that I bet you don’t know about this type of hardwood. Having that said, you are going to discover them all in this article.

So if you are interested and want to learn more about pecan wood then I highly recommend reading this article to the end.

With that said, let’s cut the chit-chat and jump straight to the facts about pecan wood.

Is Pecan Wood Expensive

Is Pecan Wood Expensive?

As I already mentioned, pecan wood is not very expensive. So you can say that it is reasonably priced when compared to other types of hardwood.

But due to lack of knowledge, many people may think that this type of wood is expensive because they don’t know the cost involved in cutting down a pecan tree or its price in the market.

In addition to that, the tree also grows slowly. But it is not a big concern because you can grow them at home as well if you have plenty of time and patience.

To help you compare the prices of pecan wood with other types of hardwood then I would say that it is cheaper but only slightly less expensive than maple and birch.

Pecan Wood: A Great Alternative to Maple and Birch

Due to its cheap price and attractive color, many woodworkers prefer pecan wood as a replacement for maple or birch.

You can easily find this wood at your local lumberyard which makes it very convenient to purchase.

In addition to that, the woodworker can easily find different pecan wood varieties which makes it even more useful for your project.

The only problem with this type of hardwood is that it’s not as durable as maple or birch. But other than that, it will serve you well and do its job perfectly fine.

By now I think you have got a pretty good idea that pecan wood is not expensive and you should consider it for your next project provided that you need a cheaper alternative to maple or birch.

Having that said, let’s take a look at some other interesting facts about pecan wood and see how useful it is.

Is Pecan Wood Considered a Hardwood?

tools for processing pecan logs

Before I answer this question, let me tell you that pecan lumber is a type of hickory. In general, it is considered a hardwood by many professional carpenters and homebuilders.

It has mostly been used as firewood because it doesn’t have any significant value when compared to other types of hardwoods such as cherry, maple, oak, etc.

But now things have changed. Due to the high demand for woodworkers in recent years, many people are considering this type of hickory as hardwood.

As mentioned earlier, it is not very durable but it will definitely serve you well if you use it for your furniture project or any other ordinary project at home.

Overall, I would say that pecan wood is one of the best types of hickory because it has all the features that you expect in a hardwood. So if you are planning to work with this type of wood, go ahead and do it without any doubt in your mind.

Now you must be thinking where can I use the beautiful lumber obtained from pecan trees. If that’s the case then don’t worry because I am going to explain all of its possible uses.

What are Pecan logs used for?

Pecan logs are used for a wide range of applications. You can think of a pecan log as a beautiful piece of furniture in your house or in your living room.

But this is not the only purpose it serves because you can also use it to build other things such as cabinets, chairs, and tables for example.

Let’s take a look at some of the main areas where pecan hickory can be used.

Furniture Making

As I already mentioned, pecan is a beautiful wood and it has a rich color. Because of this reason, most carpenters choose to use lumber in making various types of modern and rustic furniture such as cabinets, chairs, and tables for example.

You can also make use of pecan logs and cut them into different shapes and sizes based on your project requirements. Pecan wood furniture is not only cheap but it also looks very beautiful.

Shelving and Plywood

Another great use of pecan lumber is for various types of shelving solutions. Because the wood has a rich color and it is denser than other types of hardwood, you can think of using them as plywood for your furniture projects.

As I mentioned earlier, pecan hickory is also a great choice for building other types of furniture such as bed frames, dressers, and even desks.

Just make sure that you use the right type of wood for the right purpose. If you are not sure then it is always best to consult with a professional carpenter or homebuilder.

Building Decks

One of the most popular applications of pecan wood is in deck building. This is because the wood is durable and it can withstand harsh weather conditions without any problem.

In addition to that, the wood has a natural resistance to rot and decay which makes it perfect for outdoor projects. So if you are thinking of building a deck out of wood then pecan is a great choice.

Door and Window Frames

If you are planning to build a modern home with rustic design then pecan can be a perfect option for door and window frames. Because the wood has a beautiful color, it will look great on your front patio or walkway that led to your front door.

What does pecan wood look like?

Processed Pecan wood

Pecan lumber is mostly light brown in color with dark brown stripes. The wood also has a straight grain which means that all the pieces are pretty much identical.

This type of wood is also very heavy and it has proven to be an excellent choice for home building purposes.

Is pecan a good wood for flooring?

Yes, you can make use of pecan wood for flooring. But before you go ahead and start cutting your trees into different shapes and sizes, I would like to point out that this type of hardwood is not suitable for all types of flooring purposes.

However, if you are looking for a type of flooring that is heavy and strong then pecan is great for you. Just make sure that you choose the right lumber because different types of pecan tree lumber have different characteristics and properties.

Some Addition Facts About Pecan Wood

Pecan is mostly used for home building applications. If you are wondering why then the answer is very simple. This type of wood can resist rot and decay which means that it has a natural resistance to harsh weather conditions.

So if you live anywhere in North America or Europe where there are heavy rainfalls or winter seasons then pecan wood is great for you.

Pecan wood is not only strong and heavy but it is also very easy to work with which means that you can use it to build different types of furniture with little effort.

So if your budget does not allow you to buy expensive hardwood then pecan wood can be a good choice for you.

However, you should keep in mind that not all types of pecan are the same. Make sure to consult with a professional carpenter or homebuilder before starting your project.

How Can You Cut Pecan Wood?

You can cut pecan wood just like any other type of hardwood. This type of tree is not difficult to work with if you know the proper tools and techniques needed for cutting different types of lumber.

You should always make use of a chainsaw when cutting either multi-branch pecan trees or whole pecan trees in order to cut them into different sizes and shapes.

When cutting a pecan tree, make sure that you use protective gear because the wood has sharp thorns which can hurt your fingers.

In addition to that, you should always wear a safety mask because the debris from the lumber can fly in all directions during the cutting process which is very dangerous if you are not wearing a mask.

So make sure that you protect yourself before starting to cut any type of pecan wood.

Last Minute Thoughts!

Is pecan wood expensive? No, not at all, in fact, it can be the best alternative to using hardwood in your next construction project.

However, make sure to consult with a professional carpenter or homebuilder before starting your project in order to get the best results.

Thank you for reading!

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