HACKBERRY - COMMERCIAL WOOD Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), although not an abundant forest tree, has a wide range ; and small quantities are manufactured into lumber and also into cooperage. The wood is heavy, moderately hard, strong, and tough. In properties it is most like white elm, while in appearance the lumber resembles ash.
Statistical reports do not distinguish between the ordinary hackberry and the Southern form or sugarberry (Celtis mississippiensis).
Table 85 Factory Uses of Hackberry Purpose Per CentMill Work 39 Boxes and Crates. 28 Woodenware and Novelties 13 Vehicles 9 Furniture and Fixtures. 7 Saddles and Hames 4 Total 100Specific uses reported for hackberry include : Buggy bodies, cart trees, farm implements, handles, furniture, hoe handles, interior finish, kegs, rakes, saddle trees, stair rails, steps, table legs and tops, tubs, wagon parts.
The Louisiana factories use sugarberry for: Car finish, furniture, railing, slack cooperage, stair steps, table frames, tool handles, and vehicle bodies.