Properties of Common Hardwoods & Softwoods used in Truck Trailer Applications

Modulus of Rupture (MOR) Strength Ratings for Various Species of Wood (psi)

1. Purpleheart
   21,300 psi
2. Apitong, Keruing
   19,900 psi
3. Brazilian Apitong, Angelim Pedra
   18,255 psi
4. White Oak
   15,200 psi
5. Red Oak
   14,300 psi
6. Southern Yellow Pine
   13,500 psi

Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) Stiffness Ratings for Various Species of Wood (1000 psi)

The modulus of elasticity ratings as shown below are based on the stiffness or resistance to bending of the particular wood species. These ratings are for the common longitudinal modulus of elasticity not the radial or tangential ratings.⁽¹⁾

1. Purpleheart
   2,420 ×1000 psi
2. Apitong, Keruing
   2,070 ×1000 psi
3. Brazilian Apitong, Angelim Pedra
   2,050 ×1000 psi
4. Red Oak
   1,850 ×1000 psi
5. Southern Yellow Pine
   1,786 ×1000 psi
6. White Oak
   1,780 ×1000 psi

Janka Hardness Ratings for Various Species of Wood (pounds)

Hardness is defined as resistance to indentation using a modified Janka hardness test, measured by the load required to embed a 11.28-mm (0.444-in.) ball to one-half its diameter. Values presented are the average of radial and tangential penetrations.⁽¹⁾

1. Purpleheart
   1,860 lbs
2. Brazilian Apitong, Angelim Pedra
   1,720 lbs
3. Apitong, Keruing
   1,520 lbs
4. White Oak
   1,360 lbs
5. Red Oak
   1,290 lbs
6. Southern Yellow Pine
   750 lbs

Density Ratings for Various Species of Wood (KG per Cubic Meter)

The weight of a wood product is determined by the density of the basic wood structure and by the moisture content of the material. The density of the wood, exclusive of water, varies greatly both within and between species. Variations in density of approximately 10% within a particular species should be considered normal. Moisture makes up part of the weight of wood and should always be taken into consideration. The values below represent the density at approximately 12% moisture content.⁽¹⁾

1. Purpleheart
   1,057 kg/m³
2. White Oak
   900 kg/m³
3. Apitong, Keruing
   790 kg/m³
4. Red Oak
   780 kg/m³
5. Brazilian Apitong, Angelim Pedra
   750 kg/m³
6. Southern Yellow Pine
   550 kg/m³

(1) The Wood Handbook - Wood as an engineering material, USDA, General Technical Report 113.

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