Wood Species Guide
Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Also called: Magnolia, Bull Bay, Evergreen Magnolia, Large-flower Magnolia
What Southern Magnolia looks like
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with a greenish or purplish tint. Sapwood is a creamy white. Colors darken and blend toward brown over time.
Grain and texture
Straight grain with a fine, even texture and a soft luster. It looks a lot like poplar.
Working Southern Magnolia: planing, cutting and gluing
Easy to work with hand and power tools, and it glues and finishes well. Some movement while drying, so let it settle before final milling.
Finishing Southern Magnolia: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes stains, paint and clear finishes evenly, much like poplar. Light colored boards can yellow under oil-based finishes. Bonds well with epoxy.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Not decay resistant, so it is an indoor wood. Moderate movement in service; acclimate it to your AC'd home before building.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Magnolia is a common Florida yard and street tree, and fallen trees can make nice, even-textured slabs. The greenish heartwood tones can surprise people but they mellow with time. It is a good paint-grade or stained wood for cabinets and shelves. For live edge, expect a calm, clean look rather than wild figure.
Common uses for Southern Magnolia
Furniture, cabinets, millwork, boxes, veneer and shelves.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List. Often sold mixed in with poplar.
Safety and toxicity
- Respiratory / asthma
A runny nose or asthma-like symptoms have been reported from magnolia dust in a few people. Skin problems are not commonly reported.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + 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.
Magnolia dust has been linked to runny nose and asthma-like symptoms in some people. Use dust collection.
Southern Magnolia in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Southern Magnolia 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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