Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora · hardwood · Southeastern US · moderate movement
- Janka hardness 1,020 lbfred oak ≈ 1,290 lbf
- Density ≈ 35 lb/ft³specific gravity 0.5 at 12% MC
- Shrinkage — tangential 6.6%flatsawn width, green → ovendry
- Shrinkage — radial 5.4%quartersawn width
- T/R ratio 1.2 : 1higher = more cupping in flatsawn stock
Shop notes Even-textured utility hardwood with a narrow movement spread — flatsawn boards stay unusually flat. Often mixed in with yellow-poplar at the yard.
Seasonal movement at a glance
Width change for southern magnolia across a typical indoor year — 6% moisture content in the heated winter to 12% in a humid summer:
| Board width | Flatsawn | Quartersawn |
|---|---|---|
| 6″ | 3/32″ (0.085″) | 1/16″ (0.069″) |
| 12″ | 5/32″ (0.170″) | 1/8″ (0.139″) |
| 24″ | 11/32″ (0.339″) | 9/32″ (0.278″) |
| 36″ | 1/2″ (0.509″) | 13/32″ (0.417″) |
Run your own numbers
Different width, different climate swing — the calculator below is preset to southern magnolia:
Typical swings:
Southern Magnolia questions
How much does southern magnolia move with the seasons?
A 12″-wide flatsawn southern magnolia board moves about 5/32″ across a typical indoor swing from 6% to 12% moisture content; quartersawn, about 1/8″. Its tangential shrinkage is 6.6% and radial 5.4% (green to ovendry) — a moderate-movement wood.
How hard is southern magnolia?
Southern Magnolia 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 35 lb/ft³ at indoor moisture levels.
Is southern magnolia good for wide panels and tabletops?
Yes, with normal precautions: its 1.2:1 tangential-to-radial ratio is unusually balanced, so panels stay flatter than most. Still fasten solid tops so they can move across their width.
Similar species
American Holly · 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.