Trade Names
Sassafras, Golden Elm, Smelling Stick
Similar Woods
Red Elm, Ash
Origin
North America
Range
Widely distributed in North America, particularly from Southeast Canada in the eastern region of the USA to beyond Florida.
Uses
Preferred for exterior purposes such as for building boats, ships, bridges and docks as well as for cabinets and also used in joineries, carpenter shops and turneries. The wood is primarily of local significance in the USA. It has never established itself in Europe.
Properties
The color is light grey-brown to silver-brown. The wood produces a strong fenchel odor and as a result is not subject to insect attack.
Machining
This light-weight wood can be easily worked with all tools. There is no tendency to checking and there is little dulling of tools. Very smooth surfaces are produced.
Seasoning
Sassafras is not difficult to dry and dries quickly without tendency to check.
Finishing
Surface treatments present no problems when using the generally available finishes.
Jointing
Surface treatments present no problems when using the generally available finishes.