Kentucky Coffeetree Hardwood Boards 3/4" x 1.5" x 16"

KentuckyCoffeetree (Coffeenut) Hardwood Boards - 3/4" x 1.5" x 16" - 20 Pieces.

length 16 inches Width 1.5 inches thickness .75 inches

$35.00 USD

KentuckyCoffeetree (Coffeenut) Hardwood Boards - 3/4" x 1.5" x 16" - 20 Pieces.

$35.00 USD

Kentucky Coffeetree Hardwood Boards – 3/4" x 1.5" x 16" – 20 Pieces

Meet one of North America's most distinctive and underutilized hardwoods — the Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus). With its striking orange to reddish-brown heartwood, bold coarse grain, and impressive durability, this wood is a standout choice for woodworkers who want something truly different from the usual domestic species. It's the kind of wood that makes people ask, "What is that?"

Appearance & Character

Color: The heartwood ranges from a warm light orange to a deep reddish-brown, often mellowing to a rich chocolate brown over time. Its narrow, yellowish-white sapwood provides a sharp, beautiful contrast.
Grain: Bold, coarse, and often wavy or undulating — creating a "wild" look on flat-sawn boards that gives each piece a unique, eye-catching character.
Unique Feature: Kentucky Coffeetree is one of the most fluorescent woods in North America. Under a blacklight, it glows a vivid yellowish-green — a conversation starter like no other.

Strength & Durability

Janka Hardness: 1,390 lbf — comparable to White Oak, making it a strong, reliable choice for both decorative and functional applications.
Rot Resistance: Historically used for fence posts and railroad ties, this wood is remarkably rot-resistant and built to last.
Density: Heavy and stiff, providing excellent structural integrity for furniture, accents, and tool components.

Workability

Kentucky Coffeetree has good machining properties overall. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though its coarse texture may require extra sanding attention to achieve a perfectly smooth surface. It responds well to clear finishes that enhance its natural warm tones, and its fluorescence makes it especially fun to experiment with under UV lighting.