Movement in Service Pearwood is reported to be dimensionally stable, and retains its shape well after seasoning. The wood is reported to respond very well to ordinary tools and works to produce smooth, clean surfaces in planning and other machining operations. Planed surfaces are reported to have a mild silky sheen. The wood should be protected with chemical preservatives if it is to be used in exterior applications since it has little or no resistance to decay. Strength Properties Strength properties are reported to be comparable to those of Oak, but Pearwood is tougher and more difficult to split.
Weight is high.
Air-seasoning is reported to proceed slowly and heavy weighting of stacks is essential to prevent degrade. Drying Defects There is a marked tendency for the wood to distort during air-drying if stacks are not weighted down.