All species / Osage Orange

Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera)

Tool handles, fence posts, bows and turned goods; extremely hard and rot-proof.

The data

Stiffness (modulus of elasticity)1,689,000 psi
Specific gravity (12% MC)0.77
Janka hardness2,620 lbf
Average dried weight54.0 lb/ft³
Shrinkage, radial (green → dry)3.8%
Shrinkage, tangential5.6%
Shrinkage, volumetric9.2%
Movement classAverage movement

Stiffness & hardness: Wood Database (Table 5-3 class data). Shrinkage: Wood Database. Full sourcing notes are in our data documentation on the guides page — values print with their source so you can check us.

Shelf span guide — Osage Orange

Longest span that stays at or under the 0.02 in/ft long-term standard, floating ends, load spread evenly:

Shelf15 lb/ft25 lb/ft35 lb/ft
3/4 in thick, 11 in deep35 in29 in26 in
1 in thick, 11 in deep47 in39 in35 in

Quick sag check — Osage Orange

Full options — edging strips, fixed ends, centered loads — in the Shelf Sag Calculator.

Quick movement check — Osage Orange

Full options in the Wood Movement Calculator.