Cork Oak
Quercus suber · Hardwood
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Southwestern Europe and Northwest Africa, primarily Portugal, Spain, and Algeria
- Hardness
- Very Soft (under 500 lbf)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Irregular and spongy cellular matrix characteristic of thick bark rather than traditional lumber grain
Color & Appearance
Dark brown to greyish-brown exterior bark with a lighter tan or beige spongy interior layer
Hardness (Janka)
Very Soft (under 500 lbf)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Age
Varies widely by form, typically $5 to $15 per board foot equivalent for raw cork slabs
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated from recently harvested mature tree bark, roughly 25 to 40 years of growth for this thickness layer
Common Uses
Wine stoppers, bulletin boards, insulation, flooring underlayment, gaskets, crafts, and fashion accessories
Geographic Origin
Southwestern Europe and Northwest Africa, primarily Portugal, Spain, and Algeria
Workability
Very easy to cut, slice, shape, and glue using simple hand tools, though it requires sharp blades to prevent tearing
Finish Recommendations
Usually left unfinished or sealed with natural oils or water-based polyurethane when used for decorative panels
Notable Features
Extremely lightweight, buoyant, fire retardant, impermeable to liquids and gases, and highly compressible with elastic memory
