Willow Oak

Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)
Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)

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Common Name(s): Willow Oak

Scientific Name: Quercus phellos

Distribution: Eastern United States

Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 48 lbs/ft3 (770 kg/m3)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .56, .77

Janka Hardness: 1,460 lbf (6,490 N)

Modulus of Rupture: 14,860 lbf/in2 (102.4 MPa)

Elastic Modulus: 1,804,000 lbf/in2 (12.44 GPa)

Crushing Strength: 7,040 lbf/in2 (48.6 MPa)

Shrinkage:Radial: 5.0%, Tangential: 9.6%, Volumetric: 18.9%, T/R Ratio: 1.9

Color/Appearance: Has a light to medium reddish-brown color, though there can be a fair amount of variation in color. Conversely, White Oak tends to be slightly more olive-colored, but is by no means a reliable method of determining the type of oak.

Grain/Texture: Has medium-to-large pores and a fairly coarse grain.

Rot Resistance: Red oaks such as Willow Oak do not have the level of decay and rot resistance that White Oaks possess. Durability should be considered minimal.

Workability: Easy to glue, and takes stain and finishes very well.

Odor: Has a tell-tale smell that is common to most oaks. Most find it appealing.

Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, oak has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation, as well as asthma-like symptoms. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Pricing/Availability: Slightly less expensive than White Oak, Red Oak is in good/sustainable supply and is moderately priced. Thicker 8/4 planks, or quartersawn boards are slightly more expensive per board foot.

Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Common Uses: Cabinetry, furniture, interior trim, flooring, and veneer.

Comments: Willow Oak falls into the red oak group, and shares many of the same traits as Red Oak (Quercus rubra). Red Oak, along with its brother White Oak, are commonly used domestic lumber species. Hard, strong, and moderately priced, Red Oak presents an exceptional value to woodworkers—which explains why it is so widely used in cabinet and furniture making.

Related Species:

Related Articles:

Scans/Pictures:

Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)
Willow Oak (sanded)
Willow Oak (sealed)
Willow Oak (sealed)
Willow Oak (endgrain)
Willow Oak (endgrain)
Willow Oak (endgrain 10x)
Willow Oak (endgrain 10x)
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