Compare woods
Put species head to head to decide between them.
White OakBlack Walnut
| Property | White Oak Quercus alba | Black Walnut Juglans nigra |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hardwood | Hardwood |
| Cost | $$$ · Premium | $$$ · Premium |
| Hardness | 1350 lbf | 1010 lbf |
| Workability | Good | Excellent |
| Seasonal movement | Medium | Small |
| Outdoor-friendly | Yes | No |
| Origin | Domestic (North America) | Domestic (North America) |
| Commonly built | Whiskey & wine barrels, Adirondack chairs, Mission-style furniture, Boat decks, Farmhouse tables | Live-edge dining tables, Gunstocks, Jewelry boxes, Mid-century furniture, Cutting boards (accent) |
| Overview | Red oak's tougher, water-resistant cousin. Closed cellular structure makes it the classic choice for anything that gets wet. | America's premier furniture wood. Rich chocolate color straight off the tree, a dream to work, and stable once dry. |