Post Oak — Identification, Uses and Properties
Quercus stellata Fagaceae
A staple in Central Texas barbecue for fuel. Its extreme durability makes it a preferred choice for outdoor agricultural uses.
HARDWOOD NORTH AMERICA FENCE POSTS
Taxonomy & Nomenclature
Botanical Name(s)
Quercus stellata
Family
Fagaceae
Wood type
Hardwood
Local Names
Post Oak (United States), Iron Oak (United States), Cross Oak (United States)
Origin Region
North America
Main End Uses
Fence posts · Cabinetry · Furniture · Interior trim · Flooring · Boatbuilding · Barrels · Veneer
Wood Identification Guide
Reference Colour
Light to medium brown
Texture
Coarse
Grain
Straight
Sapwood
Lighter than the heartwood, though color variation can be considerable.
Interlocked Grain
No
Notes
Classified as a white-oak-type wood. Features medium to large pores often filled with tyloses in the heartwood. Possesses a characteristic, pleasant oak scent.
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Log Description
Tree height
40 – 60 ft
Tree height
12 – 18 m
Diameter
30-100 cm
Buoyancy
Floats
Log Conservation
Thick bark provides excellent resistance to fire.
Diameter
11.8-39.4 in
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Density
0.75 g/cm³ @ 12% MC
Density
46.8 lb/ft³
Monnin Hardness
1,350
Janka Hardness
1,350 lbf
Janka Hardness
6,005 N
Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient
16.2 % / %
Tangential Shrinkage
9.8 %
Radial Shrinkage
5.4 %
T/R Anisotropy Ratio
1.8
Crushing Strength
45.1 MPa
Crushing Strength
6,541 psi
Bending Strength (MOR)
90.1 MPa
Bending Strength (MOR)
13,068 psi
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
10,310 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
1,495,339 psi
Durability & Treatment
Resistance to Decay
Very DurableDry Wood Borers
ResistantTermites
Moderately durableTreatability
ResistantUse Class
Class 2Drying Schedule & Risks
Drying Rate
Slow
Risk Distortion
High
Risk Checking
High
Sawing & Machining
Blunting Effect
Moderate
Suitability Peeling
Good
Suitability Slicing
Good
Notes
Adheres easily to glue and accepts stains and finishes exceptionally well.Assembling & Finishing
Nailing Screwing
Pre-boring recommended
CITES & Trade Restrictions
CITES Status
Unlisted
Trade Notes
Not included in the CITES Appendices. Rated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
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Completeness: 8.0 / 10