OUR MATERIALS || EXOTIC HARDWOOD || OSAGE ORANGE WOOD

OSAGE ORANGE WOOD

Alternative Names & Variations: Bow Wood, Horse Apple Wood

Color: Golden to Bright Yellow; Ages to Medium Brown

Hardness: Very Hard

Sustainability Status: Very Sustainable / Stable Species Population

Characteristics: Osage Orange wood is a hardwood known for its practical and distinctive features. The heartwood starts as a golden to bright yellow shade, aging into a medium brown color. With a fine to medium texture and straight grain, the wood also presents a noticeable natural luster. Notably hard and dense, Osage Orange wood is recognized for its durability, making it highly resistant to decay and well-suited for outdoor use.

While its hardness poses challenges in workability, the wood performs well for turning and accepts stains, glues, and finishes effectively. Osage Orange wood has historical significance, used by Native American tribes for crafting bows and war clubs and is one of the most decay-resistant woods in North America.

STRENGTHS

  • Osage Orange wood showcases a distinct appearance with heartwood transitioning from vibrant golden to bright yellow, maturing into a rich medium brown. Occasionally adorned with red streaks, this hardwood's unique color evolution and fine texture contribute to its aesthetic appeal in various applications.

  • Osage Orange wood is renowned for its exceptional hardness, contributing to its durability and resistance to wear and impact.

  • Among the most decay-resistant woods in North America, Osage Orange's heartwood is well-suited for outdoor applications, ensuring longevity.

WEAKNESSES

  • Alder wood is not always the best option in terms of rot resistance. Alder wood is best for indoor furniture; it turns to pulp in moist, warm conditions.

  • Osage Orange wood is often not harvested for lumber due to small, crooked, and knotty trunks, leading to limited availability.

  • Handling Osage Orange wood requires precautions as its sap has been reported to induce dermatitis, posing a risk of skin irritation.

OSAGE ORANGE WOOD ALTERNATIVES

ROSEWOOD

ROSEWOOD

SAPELE WOOD

SAPELE WOOD

HICKORY WOOD

HICKORY WOOD