Pin Oak
Scientific name: Quercus palustris
Overview
Pin Oak is a fast-growing North American hardwood species within the red oak group. It is commonly planted as an ornamental tree and is also used for lumber, cabinetry, flooring, and general woodworking applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Pin Oak
- Scientific Name: Quercus palustris
- Region: North American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 60–80 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 44 lbs/ft³ (705 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,290 lbf
- Color: Light brown to reddish brown
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Pin Oak has a traditional red oak appearance with visible growth rings, open pores, and a generally straight grain pattern.
Key identification traits include:
- Light brown to reddish-brown coloration
- Open pore structure
- Straight grain pattern
- Medium to coarse texture
Working Properties
Pin Oak machines similarly to other red oak species and is commonly used in interior woodworking applications.
- Moderate machining difficulty
- Accepts stain and finish well
- Strong and durable
- Good wear resistance
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection.
Common Uses
Pin Oak is commonly used in interior woodworking and general lumber applications.
- Flooring
- Cabinets and furniture
- Interior trim and millwork
Sustainability & Notes
This species is widely distributed throughout eastern and central North America and is commonly planted as an ornamental shade tree.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Red Oak – A closely related species with similar appearance and working properties.
Bur Oak – A denser white oak species with better decay resistance.
White Oak – A more durable oak commonly used in outdoor and moisture-prone applications.
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 cabinetry and furniture construction.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability – Covers how oak species behave over time in changing environments.
Maple vs. Oak
Explore Maple vs. Oak for a practical comparison of these major hardwood groups and their performance in furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and general woodworking.
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
Pin Oak is not generally considered a collector species, but it is useful for comparison within the North American oak group due to its widespread ornamental and woodworking use.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
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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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
Interested in supporting this species? Visit our Adopt a Species and Conservation Partners pages to learn more.
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.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• CMT Orange Tools 8-Inch Dado Saw Blade Set for creating clean grooves, dados, and joinery cuts in woodworking projects
https://amzn.to/4wLVIzR
• Howard Feed-N-Wax Wood Polish and Conditioner for restoring and protecting finished wood surfaces
https://amzn.to/3PDy0VS
• General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter for checking moisture content in wood and detecting potential water damage
https://amzn.to/4wMsEbz
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