American Holly
Ilex opaca · hardwood · Eastern North America · high movement
- Janka hardness 1,020 lbfred oak ≈ 1,290 lbf
- Density ≈ 40 lb/ft³specific gravity 0.57 at 12% MC
- Shrinkage — tangential 9.9%flatsawn width, green → ovendry
- Shrinkage — radial 4.8%quartersawn width
- T/R ratio 2.1 : 1higher = more cupping in flatsawn stock
Shop notes The whitest wood in the forest, the classic inlay and piano-key substitute. Cut it in winter and dry it fast or it gray-stains; expect real movement.
Seasonal movement at a glance
Width change for american holly across a typical indoor year — 6% moisture content in the heated winter to 12% in a humid summer:
| Board width | Flatsawn | Quartersawn |
|---|---|---|
| 6″ | 1/8″ (0.127″) | 1/16″ (0.062″) |
| 12″ | 1/4″ (0.255″) | 1/8″ (0.123″) |
| 24″ | 1/2″ (0.509″) | 1/4″ (0.247″) |
| 36″ | 3/4″ (0.764″) | 3/8″ (0.370″) |
Run your own numbers
Different width, different climate swing — the calculator below is preset to american holly:
Typical swings:
American Holly questions
How much does american holly move with the seasons?
A 12″-wide flatsawn american holly board moves about 1/4″ across a typical indoor swing from 6% to 12% moisture content; quartersawn, about 1/8″. Its tangential shrinkage is 9.9% and radial 4.8% (green to ovendry) — a high-movement wood.
How hard is american holly?
American Holly rates about 1,020 lbf on the Janka scale — softer than red oak but sturdy (red oak is roughly 1,290 lbf). Density runs about 40 lb/ft³ at indoor moisture levels.
Is american holly good for wide panels and tabletops?
Carefully. Its tangential-to-radial ratio of 2.1:1 makes flatsawn boards prone to cupping — choose quartersawn stock for wide glue-ups, alternate growth rings, and fasten tops so they can slide.
Similar species
Southern Magnolia · Black Walnut · Southern Red Oak · African Mahogany (Khaya) · Teak · Black Cherry
Shrinkage, specific gravity, and hardness from the Wood Handbook, FPL-GTR-282 (2021 edition), USDA Forest Products Laboratory (public domain). Values are species averages — individual boards vary with growth conditions and how they were dried.