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; small pores in no specific arrangement, very numerous; exclusively solitary; heartwood mineral/gum deposits (reddish brown) occasionally present, though not easily visible with lens; narrow to medium rays not visible without lens; parenchyma diffuse-in-aggregates, though 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.
Common Uses:
Veneer, architectural millwork, marquetry, inlay, carving, musical instruments, furniture, cabinetry, and turned objects.
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; small pores in no specific arrangement, very numerous; exclusively solitary; heartwood mineral/gum deposits (reddish brown) occasionally present, though not easily visible with lens; narrow to medium rays not visible without lens; parenchyma diffuse-in-aggregates, though 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.
Common Uses:
Veneer, architectural millwork, marquetry, inlay, carving, musical instruments, furniture, cabinetry, and turned objects.
Steamed Pear (sanded) Steamed Pear (sealed) Steamed Pear (Turner)