Bur Oak
Quercus macrocarpa
Hardness
Hard and durable; stands up to wear and traffic.
Overview
A white oak group member with a coarser texture, commonly sold interchangeably with white oak.
Commonly built
- Furniture
- Flooring
- Cabinetry
- Barrels
Appearance
Light brown, similar to white oak with slightly coarser, more open grain.
Recommended uses
Uses to avoid
Similar species
Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.
Working notes
Machines, glues, and finishes similarly to white oak. Closed pores give reasonable moisture resistance.
Wood movement
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn bur oak panel moves roughly 0.49 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content). Use the wood movement calculator to run your own board size and moisture range.
How much does Bur Oak move? → See flatsawn vs. quartersawn figures and a worked example.
Common questions
How hard is Bur Oak?
Bur Oak has a Janka hardness of 1360 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.
Is Bur Oak suitable for outdoor use?
Bur Oak stands up reasonably well outdoors, especially with a protective finish and regular maintenance.
How easy is Bur Oak to work with?
Bur Oak has Good workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.
How much does Bur Oak move seasonally?
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn bur oak panel moves roughly 0.49 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content).
Finishing notes
Finishes much like white oak: closed grain, tannin-rich, takes stain evenly. Fill the grain for a smooth film finish and keep steel and water off bare wood to avoid tannin staining. Good under oil or spar varnish.
Community photos
Real photos from woodworkers who've used bur oak, reviewed before they appear here.
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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.