Mesquite covers about 100 million acres in the southwestern states of the US and in Mexico. Over 50 million of those acres are in Texas. In the desert plains, mesquite is more of a bush, but they can grow to 50 feet tall in other areas.The weight is 50 pounds per cubic foot and the specific gravity is 0.80.

Mesquite is a very stable wood; when it shifts or moves, it doesn't buckle or split. Long-lasting, it can withstand heavy weight and moisture changes. This beautiful wood is heavy and very hard. Mesquite is medium brown and gold with a swirling smooth to coarse grain. The yellows, pink, and orange/reds appear in marble-like grains to make this an exquisite wood.

Many people associate mesquite with barbecue, but it has numerous other uses, such as flooring and staircases where it's ideal due to its durability. It's become a medium for artistic carvings, used to make furniture pieces ranging from doors, paneling, lumber, and fence posts to rocking chairs, humidors, desks and tables. Mesquite wood is a pleasure to work with and takes a beautiful high polish.

It works well with machine and hand tools but has a blunting effect on cutting surfaces. Nailing requires pre-boring.