WoodSwatch · The Wood Ledger
Pear
Pyrus communis
Also known as: Pearwood, Common Pear, European Pear
Technical Spec Sheet
2026-07-14
Reference grain swatch
- Janka Hardness
- 1,660 lbf (7,384 N)
- Avg. Dried Weight
- 700 kg/m³ (44 lb/ft³)
- Specific Gravity
- 0.73
- Type
- Hardwood
- Grain
- Straight, occasionally slightly irregular; diffuse-porous with invisible pores to the naked eye
- Texture
- Very fine and uniform; one of the finest-textured European hardwoods
- Durability
- Low natural durability; susceptible to decay — not suitable for outdoor use
- Region
- Europe, Asia
- Sustainability
- Caution — Mostly sourced from orchard culls; not a timber plantation crop
Overview
Pearwood is one of Europe's most prized specialty timbers, valued not for size or durability but for an exceptionally fine, uniform texture that accepts detail carving and machining with unrivalled precision. Historically the wood of choice for printing blocks, precision instruments, and fine marquetry, it remains a benchmark material for craftsmen requiring the finest surface quality.
Diffuse-porous with extremely fine, uniform vessel distribution — pores invisible to the naked eye. Air-dried density approximately 700 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 1,660 lbf. The surface planes and turns to a near-glassy smoothness. Tangential shrinkage 8.5%, radial 4.5%; prone to distortion during drying without careful management.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Low to moderate — responds well to very sharp, fine-edged tools
Gluing
Good with standard adhesives
Finishing
Exceptional — takes oils, waxes, lacquers, and stains with great uniformity; particularly receptive to ebonising
Steam Bending
Moderate steam bending capability
Scent
Pleasant, faintly sweet fruity scent when freshly cut
Assessment
Strengths
- Extremely fine texture — finest of European fruitwoods
- Excellent for carving and detail work
- Takes a very smooth finish
- Dimensionally stable when properly dried
Weaknesses
- Low natural durability
- Small log sizes limit availability
- Prone to warping and checking during drying
- Not commercially available at scale
Common Uses
Musical instrument components · Carving and sculpture · Precision rulers and drawing instruments · Turned objects · Veneer · Decorative inlay