Quilted Pearwood

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is a pale pink or light reddish brown. Sapwood is slightly paler but is not usually distinct from heartwood. Pear is sometimes steamed to deepen the pink coloration. Pear is also occasionally dyed black and used as a substitute for ebony.

Grain/Texture: Grain is usually straight, with a very fine uniform texture.

Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; very small pores in no specific arrangement (very numerous); exclusively solitary; heartwood mineral/gum deposits (reddish brown) occasionally present; growth rings distinct; rays not visible without lens; parenchyma not clearly observable with hand lens.

Rot Resistance: Rated as non-durable regarding decay resistance.

Workability: Overall easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Turns, glues, and finishes well.

Odor: No characteristic odor.

Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Common Uses: Veneer, architectural millwork, marquetry, inlay, carving, musical instruments, furniture, cabinetry, and turned objects.

Comments: It’s been said that Pear is used in Europe much in the same way that Black Cherry is used in the United States: as a popular and high-quality domestic hardwood.