Bur Oak
Scientific name: Quercus macrocarpa
Overview
Bur Oak is a large and durable North American hardwood known for its strength, thick bark, and resistance to harsh climates. It belongs to the white oak group and is valued for furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and structural applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Bur Oak
- Scientific Name: Quercus macrocarpa
- Region: North American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 70–100 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 45 lbs/ft³ (720 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,360 lbf
- Color: Light to medium brown
- Grain: Straight to irregular
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Bur Oak has a classic oak appearance with visible growth rings, open pores, and a coarse texture. The grain can vary from straight to somewhat irregular.
Key identification traits include:
- Light to medium brown coloration
- Open pore structure
- Medium to coarse texture
- Prominent grain patterns
Working Properties
Bur Oak machines well but can be challenging due to its density and coarse grain structure.
- Moderate machining difficulty
- Good strength and durability
- Accepts stain and finish well
- Strong wear resistance
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection.
Common Uses
Bur Oak is widely used in applications requiring durability and strength.
- Furniture and cabinetry
- Flooring
- Structural woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
This species is widespread throughout central and eastern North America and is commonly harvested as part of the white oak group.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
White Oak – A closely related oak species with similar durability and workability.
Chinkapin Oak – Another North American white oak species with comparable appearance and strength.
Red Oak – A more porous oak species with less decay resistance than Bur Oak.
Related Guides
Red Oak vs. White Oak – Explore the key differences between red and white oak, including appearance, durability, moisture resistance, workability, and which species is best for flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and outdoor projects.
Best Woods for Furniture Making – Shows why oak species remain popular in furniture construction.
Wood Movement and Seasonal Expansion Explained – Covers how dense hardwoods react to environmental moisture changes.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Bur Oak is not typically considered a rare collector species, but it is valuable as a representative North American oak with strong traditional woodworking applications.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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