Most likely cork oak bark; alternatives include cork oak bark slabs or another thick-barked oak.
Quercus suber · Hardwood; this appears to be bark/cork rather than solid wood.
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood; this appears to be bark/cork rather than solid wood.
- Origin
- Native chiefly to the western Mediterranean, especially Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and southern France.
- Hardness
- Not meaningfully applicable to bark; cork oak cork is very soft and compressible, far below 500 lbf on a solid-wood Janka scale.
- Durability
- Moderately durable as bark, with reasonable weathering resistance but eventual moisture-related degradation.
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Grain Pattern
No conventional wood grain is visible; deeply fissured, rugged bark with elongated ridges and irregular exfoliating plates.
Color & Appearance
Dark charcoal-gray to black outer bark with tan-brown exposed patches; matte, weathered appearance and little visible luster.
Hardness (Janka)
Not meaningfully applicable to bark; cork oak cork is very soft and compressible, far below 500 lbf on a solid-wood Janka scale.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable as bark, with reasonable weathering resistance but eventual moisture-related degradation.
Value & Age
Rough bark slabs commonly retail around $5–$25 per piece, highly dependent on size and decorative quality; board-foot pricing is inappropriate.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The sample’s age cannot be determined visually; its dark weathering indicates outdoor exposure rather than a specific tree age.
Common Uses
Cork products, decorative bark, rustic displays, craft work, mulch, and wine-stopper production from processed cork.
Geographic Origin
Native chiefly to the western Mediterranean, especially Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and southern France.
Workability
Cuts and drills readily but crumbles and produces irregular edges; fastening and gluing depend strongly on density and cleanliness.
Finish Recommendations
Brush clean, dry thoroughly, and use a breathable matte sealer such as clear acrylic or shellac; avoid heavy film finishes if retaining texture.
Notable Features
Highly cellular, lightweight, buoyant, compressible, and naturally textured; the displayed outer bark is substantially harder and more rugged than finished cork.
