All species / Live Oak

Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

Boatbuilding, tool handles and heavy framing; extraordinarily dense and strong.

The data

Stiffness (modulus of elasticity)1,980,000 psi

Specific gravity (12% MC)0.88

Janka hardness2,680 lbf

Average dried weight63.0 lb/ft³

Shrinkage, radial (green → dry)6.6%

Shrinkage, tangential9.5%

Shrinkage, volumetric14.7%

Movement classLively — plan real allowances

Stiffness & hardness: USDA Wood Handbook (Table 5-3 class data). Shrinkage: USDA Wood Handbook. Full sourcing notes are in our data documentation on the guides page — values print with their source so you can check us.

Shelf span guide — Live Oak

Longest span that stays at or under the 0.02 in/ft long-term standard, floating ends, load spread evenly:

Shelf	15 lb/ft	25 lb/ft	35 lb/ft
3/4 in thick, 11 in deep	37 in	31 in	28 in
1 in thick, 11 in deep	49 in	42 in	37 in

Quick sag check — Live Oak

Span (in)

Depth (in)

Thickness (in)

Total load (lb)

Full options — edging strips, fixed ends, centered loads — in the Shelf Sag Calculator.

Quick movement check — Live Oak

Width across grain (in)

Cut

From MC (%)

To MC (%)

Full options in the Wood Movement Calculator.