Pacific Madrone
Scientific Name: Arbutus menziesii
Overview
Pacific Madrone is a hardwood native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States and parts of western Canada. It is known for its smooth texture, rich warm coloration, and excellent turning properties.
Madrone is commonly used in fine woodworking and specialty projects, particularly in regions where it grows naturally.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Pacific Madrone
- Scientific Name: Arbutus menziesii
- Region: North American Hardwoods (West Coast – United States & Canada)
- Tree Size: 50–100 ft tall, 1–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 50 lbs/ft³ (800 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,460 lbf
- Color: Pale pink to reddish brown, darkening with age
- Grain: Typically straight
- Texture: Fine and even
Identification Characteristics
Pacific Madrone is best identified by its warm pinkish-brown coloration and fine, smooth texture. The wood is diffuse-porous with small, evenly distributed pores.
Growth rings are visible but subtle. The grain is typically straight but may display light waviness.
Key identification traits include:
- Pinkish to reddish-brown tone
- Fine, smooth texture
- Diffuse-porous structure
- Uniform surface appearance
Working Properties
Madrone machines well but requires proper drying to minimize movement.
- Machines cleanly
- Turns exceptionally well
- Sands smoothly
- Glues reliably
- Can move during drying if not handled properly
It is especially favored by woodturners.
Safety Note
Pacific Madrone dust may cause mild irritation. Standard dust protection is recommended.
Common Uses
Pacific Madrone is commonly used in:
- Furniture
- Turned bowls
- Cabinetry
- Interior millwork
- Specialty woodworking projects
Sustainability & Notes
Pacific Madrone is regionally available and typically harvested locally in the Pacific Northwest.
Proper drying is critical due to the wood’s tendency to move if not stabilized.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
American Cherry – A fine furniture hardwood with similar warm tones and smooth grain, commonly used in cabinetry and decorative woodworking.
Red Alder – A Pacific Northwest hardwood often used in furniture and cabinetry, typically softer and more uniform in texture than madrone.
Bigleaf Maple – A regional hardwood valued for its workability and use in furniture and musical instruments, generally lighter in color than madrone.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain texture and color variation helps distinguish fine furniture hardwoods from similar species.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Proper drying and acclimation help reduce movement and prevent checking in hardwood lumber.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Choosing the right finish helps enhance color and protect hardwood surfaces used in furniture and decorative woodworking.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Clear, well-dried Madrone boards are desirable due to the species’ tendency to move during drying.
Material with subtle color variation and consistent grain is especially valued for fine furniture and turning projects.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• 3M XtractNet Hook and Loop Sanding Disc Multi-Pack for virtually dust-free sanding and fine surface finishing
https://amzn.to/4nPgt9Z
• 3M P100 Respirator Cartridge and Filter Set for protection against dust, organic vapors, and airborne particles during woodworking and finishing
https://amzn.to/4f0z7t1
• FONAROLL Microfiber Wax Applicator Pads for applying waxes, oils, and fine wood finishes evenly across surfaces
https://amzn.to/4a9ANgn
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