Trade Names
Swiss Pear, Common Pear, Wild Servicetree, Sorbtree
Similar woods
Steamed Hard Maple
Origin
Europe
Range
Swiss Pear is a trade name for the Wild Servicetree, Sorb and Common Pear species which cannot be differentiated as wood. The Wild Servicetreeis the most frequently used type of wood, Sorb and Pear beingless common.
The majority of the wood worked today comes from France but it also occurs in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Due to the strong demand early in the nineties in relation to the low occurrence of this species, the prices for logs have exploded so that Pear belongs to the most expensive species in the world. Since 2002, however, the demand for this species has been decreasing greatly due to these high prices.
Uses
Over the last five years Pear has become one of the most demanded veneer species in Europe. Used for bedroom furniture, living-room furniture, paneling and office furniture. Also used for highest quality interior fixtures for banks, insurances and other representative buildings.
Properties
Very elegant wood. Unsteamed the wood is white. The warm reddish tone is only achieved by steaming. Many trunks develop brown heart and as a result fail to qualify for exclusive veneer.
The development of fine hairs is just as frequent as the figuring which gives the veneer life but unfortunately these still are not sufficiently accepted.
Machining
Pear is easy to machine with all tools.
Seasoning
Drying is a very slow process and should be carried out with great care.
Finishing
Pear takes any kind of surface finish well. Due to its plain texture it should be given a glossy or even polished finish.
Jointing
Gluing pear presents no difficulties. Screws and nails hold firmly but should be pre-drilled.