Bradford Pear
Bradford Pear Wood – Tough Fruitwood with Character & Craft Potential
Bradford Pear (a cultivar of the Callery Pear, Pyrus calleryana) may be infamous as a nuisance ornamental tree—but its wood offers surprisingly strong value for woodturners, carvers, and small-scale woodworkers. Here’s what makes it special, along with the trade-offs you should know.
Key Properties & Workability
Hardness & Density: Bradford Pear has a Janka hardness in the range of ~1,290 – 1,660 lbf, depending on source.
Specific Gravity / Density: It’s described as a medium-density hardwood. Some estimates place its dry weight around 35 lb/ft³.
Grain & Texture: The wood typically has a fine, uniform texture with fairly straight grain, though you can sometimes find figure, curl, or mild distortion.
Workability:
It works well with both hand tools and machines.
It turns smoothly on a lathe, and many turners report it “turns very well with very little dulling” of tools.
However, because of its grain, tear-out can be a risk if the cut isn’t managed properly.
Drying / Stability:
Bradford Pear can be prone to warping, checking, or cracking during drying if not handled carefully.
It’s often best to air-dry slowly or quarter-sawn to improve stability.
Finishing: It takes finishes well — sanding, sealing, and polishing bring out a warm, natural color. Several woodworkers mention its heartwood ranges from pale pink-tan to a light reddish-brown.
Rarity, Sourcing & Sustainability
Availability: Bradford Pear trees are very common, especially in suburban landscapes. They were widely planted as ornamental trees, making salvaged wood relatively accessible.
Short Lifespan: These trees don’t live very long as lumber sources. According to some woodturning sources, Bradford Pear trees often die or break young (under 30 years), which means that large, high-quality, defect-free logs are relatively rare.
Sustainability Factor: Because they’re considered invasive or problematic in many areas, using their wood can be a sustainable way to repurpose trees that are being removed anyway.
Market Value: Its status as “weed tree” wood helps keep costs low, but the appeal to turners and carvers gives it a niche demand.
Limitations & Strengths:
Excellent for turning (bowls, small vessels) and carving.
Beautiful natural tones and fine grain.
Affordable source when available via salvage.
Good tool life: despite its hardness, it doesn’t overly dull cutting tools.
Limitations:
Risk of warping or checking when drying.
Size limitations: large, clean logs are uncommon.
Durability: not ideal for outdoor structural use unless properly treated.
Grain irregularities in some trees may make working more challenging.
Bradford Pear wood may come from a tree that’s often criticized, but in the hands of a skilled woodworker or turner, it becomes a valuable, character-rich material. With moderate density, very good workability, and a naturally warm hue, it’s an excellent choice for small-scale crafts, custom bowls, pens, and decorative items. While its rarity in large, clean logs can be a challenge, its widespread presence and salvage potential make it a clever and sustainable option for many woodturning and woodworking projects.
