Wood Species Guide
Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis and Celtis laevigata (sugarberry)
Also called: Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata), Common Hackberry, Southern Hackberry, Nettletree
About the name “Hackberry”
Hackberry lumber is a mix of two closely related trees: common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) in the north and sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) across the South, including Florida. The two are sold together and work the same.
What Hackberry looks like
Light yellowish gray to pale tan, with little contrast between heartwood and sapwood. It is prone to blue-gray fungal stain if not dried quickly, and spalted hackberry is a turner's favorite.
Grain and texture
Usually straight to slightly interlocked, with a coarse, uneven texture. The growth-ring pattern looks a lot like ash or elm.
Working Hackberry: planing, cutting and gluing
Easy to work with hand and power tools. It steam bends very well. It glues, stains and finishes without trouble.
Finishing Hackberry: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes stain well and is often used as a stand-in for ash or elm. Clear oil keeps it light and bright. The open grain will outgas under epoxy, so seal-coat first.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Not durable outdoors, and it stains quickly when wet, so dry it fast after sawing. It is reasonably stable once dry. In Florida, keep it indoors and finish all faces.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Sugarberry is a common Florida yard tree, and when one comes down it is worth sawing rather than chipping. Saw it fast and sticker it with good airflow, or the blue stain moves in. If you want that stain, let it spalt on purpose for turnings and small panels. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Hackberry
Furniture, cabinetry, bent parts, millwork, boxes, and turned objects.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
Reactions are uncommon. Skin irritation has been reported, but nothing more serious is documented.
- In the shop
- Dust collection and a mask when sanding
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Hackberry has been reported to cause skin irritation. Use dust collection and a mask.
Hackberry in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Hackberry listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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