Gutchess Lumber - Home of Cortland & Latrobe Hardwood Brands

Specific Gravity

A measurement of relative density defined as the ratio of the density of a particular wood species to the density of water. The greater the value, the more dense the lumber.

Hardness

The pounds of force required to embed a 0.444 inch diameter steel ball to half its diameter into a particular wood species. The larger the value, the harder the lumber.

Machining

Relative measurement of a wood species' performance in planing, boring, shaping and turning. The higher the value, the better the performance.

Nailing & Screwing

Relative measurement of a wood species' performance in accepting and holding nails, screws and similar fasteners. The higher the value, the better the performance.

Gluing

Relative measurement of a wood species' performance with glue work. Five represents the best rating, one the worst.

Finishing

Relative measurement of a wood species' performance in staining, polishing and finishing. The higher the value, the better the performance.

Species	Specific Gravity	Weight (kg / m³)	Hardness (lbf)	Machining	Nailing	Screwing	Gluing	Finishing
White Ash	0.6	673	1319	4	4	4	4	5
Basswood	0.37	417	410	5	3	4	4	5
Black Cherry	0.5	561	950	5	4	4	4	5
White Hard Maple	0.63	705	1450	4	3	3	4	5
Red Maple	0.54	609	950	4	3	3	3	5
Northern Red Oak	0.63	705	1290	5	4	4	4	5
White Oak	0.68	769	1359	5	4	4	2	5
Tulip Poplar	0.42	449	540	5	2	4	4	5
Black Walnut	0.55	609	1010	5	4	4	4	5