Texas Pecan: The Understated Giant of Live Edge

If Parota is the "king of size" and Walnut is the "king of luxury," then Pecan is the champion of Texas character.

As the state tree of Texas, Pecan is more than just a source of nuts—it's one of the hardest and most beautiful woods available for large-format furniture in the Lone Star State.

Why We Love Texas Pecan

1. Incredible Hardness

Pecan is a member of the Hickory family. On the Janka hardness scale, it ranks significantly higher than Black Walnut (1820 vs 1010). This makes it virtually "kid-proof" and "party-proof." It resists dents and scratches better than almost any other commercial hardwood.

2. High-Contrast Heart/Sapwood

Similar to Parota, Pecan features a dramatic contrast between its dark heartwood and creamy sapwood. However, Pecan often has "calico" patterns—swirling mixes of brown, gray, and tan that are entirely unique to each tree.

3. "Spalting" Graphics

Native Texas Pecan is prone to "spalting"—a natural fungal process that creates black, ink-like lines through the grain. These lines are purely aesthetic and don't compromise structural integrity when properly stabilized/finished, but they add a level of artistic flair that is hard to find in other species.

The Challenges of Pecan

The Drying Nightmare

You cannot treat Pecan like other woods. It has a mind of its own during the drying process.

• Warping: Because it is so dense, Pecan wants to twist and bow as it loses water.
• The Fix: It requires a very slow, controlled kiln schedule. At Kovara, we ensure our Pecan has spent the appropriate time in the kiln to "tame" the tension before we ever touch it with a sander.

Design Tips for Pecan Tables

Pecan looks best when paired with minimalist bases. Because the grain is so "busy" and colorful, you don't want a complex base fighting for attention. Simple black steel U-legs or a sleek T-base allows the wood to be the star.