Black Oak
Quercus velutina
Genus: Quercus · Family: Fagaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
North America
Avg. Dried Weight
43 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
1,210 lbf
Decay Resistance
Non-Durable
Typical Color
Reddish Brown
Stability
Medium
Outdoor Suitability
Poor
Workability
Easy
Availability
Common in U.S.
CITES
Unlisted
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •Black Oak is harder than 46% of the 137 species in our database.
Janka Hardness Scale
Medium
Overview
Professional Summary
Black Oak (Quercus velutina) is a Red Oak group species with similar properties to Northern Red Oak but generally considered slightly lower in quality. At 1,210 lbf Janka, it's a serviceable hardwood often sold mixed with other red oak species for flooring, furniture, and cabinetry.
In Plain English
Black Oak is part of the Red Oak family and often sold alongside it. It's a solid, affordable American hardwood for floors, furniture, and cabinets. Not as well-known as Red or White Oak, but it gets the same jobs done at a similar price.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
Often sold with Red Oak for flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and general construction.
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
Not durable outdoors (Red Oak group — open pores). May be sold simply as 'Red Oak' without distinction.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
AI-powered alternative species matching
You Might Also Consider
Species with similar characteristics and uses
Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar reddish brown color that are easily confused with Black Oak. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Harder (Janka 1,750 lbf)
- • Heavier (47 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium
- • Lighter (37 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Moderately Durable
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Decay: Moderately Durable
- • Texture: Medium
- • Harder (Janka 2,430 lbf)
- • Heavier (55 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
