Mesquite

Prosopis glandulosa

Top portion is finished with water-base finish; bottom with oil-based finish

Appearance

Color: Light brown to dark reddish brown.
Grain: High in character, with ingrown bark and mineral streaks. Most commonly used in flooring as end-grain block, which has small irregular cracks radiating across the grain.
Variations Within Species And Grades: One grade; moderate color variations.

Properties

Hardness/Janka: Janka:2345; (82% HARDER than Northern red oak).
Dimensional Stability: Excellent (3.2; 63% more stable than Northern red oak).
Durability:

Workability

Sawing/Machining: Very good machining qualities.
Sanding: Plain sawn can be sanded to a smooth surface. End-grain requires a coarser abrasive to flatten; it is recommended that it be flattened by sanding at a 45-degree angle to the grain.
Nailing: Splits tongues easily.
Finishing: No known problems.

Comments: End-grain block usage results in a hard, high-wear surface. Produces only shorter-length boards.

Availability

Limited available.
Origin: North America