Bradford Pear

Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana) is an exceptional domestic fruitwood prized for its fine, uniform grain, high density, and smooth turning characteristics. Originally planted as an ornamental tree, Bradford Pear is rarely harvested commercially, making it an increasingly sought-after material for woodturners and fine woodworkers as urban removals provide limited, reclaimed supply.

Appearance & Grain

Bradford Pear ranges from pale cream to light pinkish-tan, often darkening slightly with age and finish. The grain is extremely tight and uniform, allowing for crisp detail and a refined, almost porcelain-like surface when finished.

Workability & Performance

Bradford Pear is notably harder and denser than most fruitwoods, delivering excellent performance on the lathe.

Typical Properties (Air-Dried):

Janka Hardness: ~1,600 lbf (harder than Black Walnut)

Density: ~0.75 g/cm³

Grain: Fine, closed, uniform

Turning Behavior: Excellent with sharp tools

Sanding & Finishing: Exceptional, polishes to a glass-smooth surface

It turns cleanly, holds extremely fine detail, and is highly resistant to tear-out. Best results are achieved with sharp tools and light cuts.

Rarity & Value

Because Bradford Pear trees are not grown for lumber and are typically removed only during landscaping or storm damage, usable wood is limited and irregularly available. This makes Bradford Pear a rare domestic hardwood in the turning market, especially in defect-free blanks.

Ideal Uses

Bradford Pear is perfectly suited for:

High-end pens

Knife scales

Bottle stoppers

Small bowls & boxes

Heirloom turnings

Fine detail work

Why Choose Bradford Pear

Bradford Pear offers the density of exotic hardwoods with the refinement of fruitwood, making it a favorite among experienced turners and collectors seeking premium domestic material.

Add refined performance and understated elegance to your next project with hand-selected Bradford Pear wood blanks, chosen for grain quality, density, and superior turning results.

Bradford Pear wood, Pyrus calleryana, Bradford Pear turning blanks, rare domestic hardwood, fruitwood pen blanks, dense hardwood for turning, premium woodworking wood, heirloom turning wood.

28 products