Oakwood makes great furniture, what oak wood to choose from? The following blog post will help you choose the different types of oak wood for building in or outdoor furniture. 

There are various types of oak wood that are readily available in the US, the most common ones being white oak and red oak. 

For anyone looking for a durable and aesthetically-pleasing material, oak hardwood takes the first slot for furniture, flooring, and other construction projects. That’s not just you, people around the world appreciate the furniture of oak wood.

But did you know? There are more than 500+ species of oak wood. Read more: is oak hardwood or softwood?

You are not supposed to learn about each of them as it would take you years to understand. Moreover, it’s no fun to learn each of them at all unless you’re a student of botany and you’re given an assignment.

However, if you’re in the market purchasing the furniture.

you must know the common types of oak wood before buying a set of furniture. Just to make sure you’re making the right choice. As different species of oak can bring up different results.

Durability, price, warping, water resistance, and so on are factors that may affect your decision. Therefore, it’s important to know the pros and cons of the oak wood you are planning to purchase. 

Related:

Is oak wood good for furniture?

Most Popular types of oak wood for furniture

Speaking of popular species of oak wood for furniture, here are some you will hear in the market. 

Remember, each group has its own subspecies, so you should consider these groups to be the parents.

1. White oaks (Leucobalanus)
2. Red oak (Erythrobalanus)
3. Black oaks (Cyclobalanus)

White Oak	1360
Red Oak	1320
Black Oak	1300
Northern Red Oak	1290

1. White Oak

It is one of the hardest oak trees in the wood family, with a Janka Hardness rating of 1360 out of 4000.

Among the oak species, white oak is the most durable wood. It better resists water as its pours are closed which makes the top surface not absorb water. 

White oak originates from the eastern United States and has many subspecies, although those are not popular as some take too long to grow, and others don’t have enough strength.

There are about 8 useful species of white oak that are used for making items of furniture in our life.

As red and white oak are popular and their furniture almost shares similar properties. Mind that, these are named not because of their color. It’s something more botanical that distinguishes the genesis of each.

This means that white oak is not white, but its color is light and its core is light brown to dark brown, sometimes it gives a pinkish hue.

The white oak’s high calcium/tannin content and natural oils provide great protection against fungi and insects, so the oak has excellent decay resistance.

2. Red Oak

Red oaks, also known as Quercus Rubra, are oak trees that have acorns and leaves with spiny teeth. 

In addition to its straight-grained appearance and coarse texture, this oak is particularly useful for shelves, furniture, home fixtures, etc.

Wood is widely famous all over the world due to the fact it grows almost everywhere in all regions. However, it’s domestic to North America, you can easily avail yourself in the united state.

With its pinkish tone to light brown color, the furniture brings up a pinkish hue with beautiful patterns, adding an aesthetically pleasing appearance to your place.

It ranks in the middle of all the woods in North America in terms of hardness, with the exception of Black Walnut which is one of the denser wood found on planet earth.

3. Black Oak

Quercus velutina, or black oak wood, is another common type of oak wood. Used in a number of different ways. Construction of furniture, cabinets, and cabinetry, as well as interior trim, can be done with oak because it provides a very strong oak foundation. 

The durability of black oak wood makes it ideal for flooring projects including decks, porches and doors.

The dark brown color provides great contrast when using black oak to build projects that have lighter wood tones already incorporated into them. 

Additionally, black oak is soil-resistant as well as durable. Even harsh weather conditions such as ice, snow, and rain don’t damage this type of oak.

Black Oak has the same Janka Wood Hardness Scale rating as Red Oak – 1280.

4. CHERRYBARK OAKWOOD

The name Cherrybark oakwood refers to the oak species Quercus pagoda. 

Cherry bark oakwood is the best oakwood in North America, which is characterized by its smooth, strong grain pattern and reddish-brown color (called heartwood, which makes up about half of oak tree wood).

Depending on where they grow best, oak trees are classified into different types. In Sunset’s Climate Zones 8, 9, and 14, cherry bark oak grows best.

 It grows to 130 feet tall and has a trunk that can measure 36 to 60 inches in diameter.

Like other oak wood species, cherry bark oak wood has a coarse texture and dark gray bark. With maturation and growth, the oak bark will look blackish-gray to brown, with narrow, scaled ridges.

Despite its strength, cherry bark oak wood is lightweight.

The wood is stable and decay resistant, so it’s perfect to build furniture, cabinets, doors, and other architectural elements, such as staircases.

Furthermore, the natural chemicals in this plant repel pests, such as cockroaches and termites. 

As well as being treated with preservative chemicals, this oakwood can be used for outdoor projects without having to treat each piece separately.

Cherry bark oakwood measures 1,480 lb on the Janka Wood Hardness Scale, making it as hard as oakwood can be.

5. WILLOW OAK

The Willow Oak species is found in the Eastern and Central U.S. and is known for its willow-like leaves that appear green during spring but turn to shades of red/orange during fall.

Its distinctive feature is its fine grain and slight pores on the outer surface, which look like little vertical lines running through the wood. 

The wood’s color is tinged with a light brown tint. 

The texture is medium, straight-grained, and dense. 

A high moisture absorption rate makes it quite unstable in changing weather conditions as well as medium durability for decay resistance.

Having a moderate bending and crushing strength, willow oak wood is hard, strong, and tough. Planning and machining are difficult due to their interlocked grain pattern. The fabric also shrinks easily and is not stain-resistant.

Among other oak species, willow oak’s special grain pattern sets it apart. Oak lumber’s distinctive grain pattern is not at all similar to veins found in nearly any other oak family member but appears to be natural pores.

The North American oak species has many impressive attributes, but it is lacking in strength characteristics, such as shock resistance and stiffness, which makes it unsuitable for use in critical applications requiring high durability.

Janka wood hardness scale values for willow oak range from 1,360 lbs to 1,460 lbs. 

6. PIN OAK

Throughout the eastern half of North America, the pin oak tree is found. 

During spring, this oak group member has leaves that are spear-shaped and appear bright green, but turn a red, yellow, or orange color as the autumn approaches.

From this North American oak tree, oak wood is made with fine grains and an even texture. Its color is brown with a very faint yellow tint.

With the combination of a straight grain pattern and interlocked grain pattern, pin oak lumber is durable with a medium to fine texture.

Even though pin oak wood is heavy, its uneven texture makes it fragile when used to create oak furniture or oak home décor items.

According to the Janka scale, Pin Oak has a hardness rating of 1500 lbf, so it is relatively durable. Pin Oak is also stainable and finishable. 

7. ENGLISH OAK

Usually found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor, English oak is also referred to as European oak.

English oak’s color ranges from light to medium brown with a slight olive cast. This oak is characterized by a straight grain, a coarse texture, and a slightly uneven appearance. 

Depending on the conditions of the trees’ growth, oak trees may even have interlocked or irregular grains.

Its heartwood is highly durable and long-lasting, making it popular for forestry. Furniture and interior design lovers love this oak wood.

The fine grain pattern in English oak wood makes it an excellent choice for furnishing projects and for home decoration projects.

Using the Janka Wood Hardness Scale, English oak has a hardness rating of 1,120 lb. 

8. CHESTNUT OAK

Known as rock oak because it grows in rocky areas, chestnut oak is a member of the white oak family native to Eastern North America. 

On steep, rocky sites, the chestnut oak exhibits a higher survival rate than other oaks in its range. Initially pink, the blooms turn silvery and finally dark green. In addition to its silvery-white bark, the chestnut oak has beautiful leaves.

A chestnut oak’s color varies from medium to dark brown, which is reflected in its straight, greyish-brown grain, sometimes lighter in color and slightly wavy in appearance. The oak species in question has a texture that is evenly grainy and has a moderately coarse structure.

As a result of the semi-ring structure of this oak wood, it is heavy and provides strength and is therefore perfect for fences and railways.

Chestnut oak is rated 1,130 lbs hard according to the Janka Wood Hardness Scale.

9. BUR OAK

In the eastern and mid-western United States, as well as in south-central Canada, the bur oak, also called mossy cup oak or mossycup white oak, is a common species of oak. A bur oak’s trunk diameter typically exceeds 10 feet, making it among the biggest oak species.

It has a dark grayish brown color with a hint of the olive cast. Bur oak is a highly durable wood that is among the white oak group for its high quality. It has a very high decay resistance. Its heartwood has a dense, polishable texture.

As a result of its density and nice color, bur oak makes great furniture and home decor. It can be used for interior cabinet parts that are not visible to the eye, such as drawer slides, rails, and other parts that require secondary cabinet wood.

Bur oak lumber has a Janka Hardness rating of 1,360 lb, which is higher than white oak. However, because of bur oak trees’ increased branching and open growth characteristics, the lumber isn’t as valuable as white oak.

10. NORTH RED OAK

During the spring blooming season, Northern Red Oaks produce fragrant pollen-producing flowers with pointed leaf tips.  

There is a range of brown to almost black colors in the oak tree’s acorns, which are about 1 inch in diameter. With exposure to tannin acids, the heartwood of northern red oak can become darker in color.

The heartwood of northern red oak is usually pink in color. 

Oaks of other types have a smooth, straight grain while northern red oaks have a coarse texture. In terms of strength and hardness, this wood is exactly like a walnut, but a little heavier.

Because it’s sturdy, beautiful, and great for oak woodworking projects, red oak makes an ideal material for oak furniture design projects. Flooring, paneling, and cabinetry can be constructed from red oak.

Northern red oaks measure 1,290 pounds on the Janke Hardness Scale.

Are there really “different” types of oak wood?

While there are hundreds of different species of oak trees, they all share certain traits.

White oak and red oak are the two most common types. Both are great for building durable furniture, regardless of whether it is used indoors or outdoors. 

Other species of oak also possess similar properties- but not as well as white and red oak – they all have hard sapwood and a soft, spongy heart center that makes up 10-20% of the tree’s total cross-sectional area.

Around the world, oak trees grow in temperate climates with moderate temperatures. Many species are home to North America.

As with many countries with temperate climates around the world, including Poland and France, oakwood makes up a large percentage of construction materials.

The growth rate of oak trees is not similar at all. Some have fast growth rates and others are not. It all comes down to their species.

That is said, the denser wood, the more time it will take in growing to mature.

As there are various species of oak, each has set its own growth rate.

Some are fast-growing like a live oak- grows 3-4 feet per year, and has less dense wood.

Whereas the white oak species grow 1-2 feet per year, consider slow-growing oak species.

Furthermore, there are significant environmental factors, such as areas with high sunlight intensities which produce more oak trees than areas with low sunlight intensities.

Oak trees growth rate

Oak species	Growth in 10 years	Growth in 30 years
Northern red oak	12 feet	30 feet
White oak	10 feet	15-18 feet.
Live oak	15 feet	40 feet
Shumard Oaktree	15 feet	35 feet
Willow oak	18 feet	35 feet
Water oak	22 feet	45 feet.
Pin Oak	12 feet	25 feet.
Nuttall oak	15 feet	25 feet
English oak trees	18 feet	23 feet

The growth rate of different oak tree species.

Northern red oak

Northern red oak trees will grow 15–20 feet in a decade. 2 feet per year, under optimal weather conditions.

The tree grows straight and tall in forests, sometimes reaching as high as 140 feet. It has a trunk that can be as large as 20 to 40 inches across.

White oak

There are thousands of white oak trees in North America, and the white oak tree (Quercus alba) is among the tallest deciduous trees.  

According to Clemson University Extension, white oaks produce new growth at a rate of 10 to 15 feet over a period of 10 to 12 years. 

Despite their slow growth rate, white oaks can live for more than a hundred years.

Live oak

The initial growth of live oak is very rapid, as it may reach heights of 4 feet in its first year.

However, the pace of growth will decline afterward, but it will remain rapid for the next 10 to 15 years.  

This usually means that live oak, on average, can gain 24 inches or more in a single growing season, assuming growing conditions are optimal.

A lack of water, sunlight, and other environmental conditions can have their effect.

The height of live oaks ranges between 40 and 80 feet, and their widths can reach 60 to 100 feet.

The mature shape and size of a live oak can be achieved in 75 years or less if it is well-sited.

Shumard Oaktree

As a mature plant, the Shumard Oak can grow up to 80 feet tall and 40 feet wide.

Its average height and width are 40 to 60 feet tall. The average growth of this species is 2 feet per year for about 15 years. Later the growth rate turns down.

Willow oak

A Willow Oak looks different from other oaks because of its rapid growth rate. Leaves on Willow Oak trees resemble those on willows (salix). 

These trees provide great shade for ecosystems. Willow oaks are long-lived, provide food for wildlife and provide shelter. 

The Willow oak grows to a height of 60 feet and a width of 40 feet.

You can plant this tree in your yard if you have the space. Oak trees have beautiful golden and orange autumn foliage.

Water oak

Water oak is one of the fast-growing oak wood species.

Approximately 25 feet of growth occurs per 10 years in water oak trees (Q. nigra), according to some studies done by a well-known university. 

Water oaks reach up to 60 feet maximum in height and spread ranges from 25 to 40 inches in a life span of 70-100 years.

Pin Oak

Throughout its life, pin oaks (Q. palustris) grow 18 inches each year for the next 10 years they can reach a height of 10-15 feet.

The species although has a slower growth rate but it can sometimes show rapid growth. Mainly in the forest.

The average lifespan of the trees is 60 to 70 years, and the maximum height the tree can reach is 70 years.

Nuttall oak

Nuttall oak, also known as red oak or pin oak, is one of the moderate-growing oak trees.

It has one of the slowest growth rates, about 1.5 feet per year.

if the conditions are optimal, in the first 20 years the Nuttall oak can grow 10 feet to 15 maximum.

Additionally, providing a leafy canopy, it also provides a large number of acorns each year for animals such as deer and squirrels.

English oak trees

According to some studies, English oaks and bur oaks have moderate growth rates and display yellow-brown foliage in the fall. About 15 feet for the first initial 30 years.

Southern live oak

IFAS extension reports that the Southern live oak (Q. virginiana) grows at a moderate rate, reaching up to 60 feet maximum in height, which can take 70 years to fully mature. However, the first growth of the first 30 feet is rapid and takes 20 to 30 years to reach. 

Which oak tree grows the fastest?

Nuttall oak and Live oak wood are considered to be one of the fastest-growing oak wood species.

Also known as pin oak or red oak, the Nuttall oak is a moderate-growing oak tree. It can reach a height of 15 feet in 10 years. 

In addition to providing a leafy canopy, it can give animals such as deer and squirrels a large supply of acorns each year.

Do oak trees stop growing?

There are some species of Oakwoods that do not stop growing. For example, the white and red oak wood can grow for 100 years until its roots die.

Nonetheless, their heights are more or less fixed at some point, meaning when a tree reaches its maximum height the growth also gets stopped. But the trunk of a tree tends to grow wider as it ages- putting out new branches and producing leaves throughout its life

This blog explains why oak is a strong and durable wood.

If you are in the market with intentions to purchase strong timber for building a set of furniture. Choosing oak wood is a wise decision when you want strong, durable hardwood at an affordable price. Read more: Advantages and disadvantages of oak wood.

Maple and cherry also are good options without any doubt and good for building furniture. Read more: Is oak furniture expensive?

But the thing is the price factor here. Not everyone will want to invest a great amount of money. These hardwood trees are exclusive, not readily available in all regions. Because these are imported woods, the prices in the United States are higher. Read more: How long does it take to grow an oak tree?

The oak wood is therefore popular, its price is reachable and provides quality in return.

But you should that there are more than 500 species of oak trees that grow all over the world. Some can be strong and durable while others not. The physical properties vary from species to species. Read more: Different types of oak wood for furniture

So to keep the guide simple and meaningful to you, we’ll be talking about only red and white oak which are both popular types of oak hardwoods.

Is oak the strongest wood on the planet?

No. Oak trees are not the strongest in the world. But that’s said it’s one the strongest cheap hardwoods after cherry, walnut, maple, ash, mahogany, and several others which are expensive. Among the types of oak trees, the most durable is the white oak species, the second is red oak.

Read more to see the number given on the basis of strength. Wood strength.

If you’re thinking what are some qualities that make white oak a good choice. Read more Is oak makes good furniture?

White oak has closed pores, the surface is scratch-free. The no space between the cells does not allow water to destroy the wood, meaning it’s good for outdoor projects. 

Oak strength vs other woods.

Before we compare oak strength with other similar woods. Mind that, the term “strength” can be applied in different ways to measure the overall strong ability of wood.

Meanwhile, a wood’s strength is measured in the following ways.

1. Compressive strength: This metric indicates how much load a wood species can withstand aligned with its grain. In simple terms, the value tells us What is the maximum weight a table leg can sustain without bowing?

2. Bending strength: Values indicate how much load a tree can bear perpendicular to its grain. How much weight can you hang on a hook?

3. The stiffness or modulus of elasticity: The value tells how much the wood will bend in the face of a load applied perpendicular to it. In simple terms, it tells us How far will those shelves sag when applied weight on them?

4. The hardness: The value shows how hard and durable the wood’s surface is. This means, for example, how long will that kitchen counter remain unscratched and new?

Wood Species	Compressive Strength (psi)	Bending Strength (psi)	Stiffness (Mpsi)	Hardness (lb)
Alder, Red	5,820	9,800	1.38	590
Ash	7,410	15,000	1.74	1,320
Aspen	4,250	8,400	1.18	350
Basswood	4,730	8,700	1.46	410
Beech	7,300	14,900	1.72	1,300
Birch, Yellow	8,170	16,600	2.01	1,260
Butternut	5,110	8,100	1.18	490
Cherry	7,110	12,300	1.49	950
Chestnut	5,320	8,600	1.23	540
Elm	5,520	11,800	1.34	830
Hickory	9,210	20,200	2.16	†
Maple, Hard	7,830	15,800	1.83	1,450
Maple, Soft	6,540	13,400	1.64	950
Oak, Red	6,760	14,300	1.82	1,290
Oak, White	7,440	15,200	1.78	1,360

How durable is oak wood?

If you are thinking about whether or not the oak furniture will be durable. If you will keep the furniture in your backyard where the rain, moisture, bugs, are the major hazards. 

The answer is. YES! The durability of oak wood is great, only a few can match it, you can be fully assured about its furniture longevity. That’s said, choosing oak for your furniture is not less than a lifetime investment.

The white oak stands out for its exceptional characteristics when used in outdoor projects. 

• The tannin content makes it resistant to pests and bugs. Furthermore, oak contains natural compounds that prevent bugs from eating, which makes it a suitable material for making roof beams.

• The Top surface is quite harder than oak wood. Accidental Scratches will not damage the surface.  

• The great density of oak wood means that there is very little space between cells. That also means moisture cannot easily enter and damage the wood.

Red oak vs white oak? Strength

Generally, in the markets, the oak wood you see is either red oak or white oak. In terms of strength, both are highly valued regardless of the furniture being built. But, white oak is more suitable for outdoor projects and projects where water is the concern.

But comparing red and white oak species. White oak has stronger physical properties, it will cost you more than red oak. 

The following blog explains what are some difficulties you would be dealing with working with oak. And will you help in concluding is oak easy or hard to work with?

If you’re just getting started, woodworking is not going to be as easy as you might have thought. And choosing the right wood for the project is not less than a chore. Read more about is oak wood strong?

You surely need to understand some basic physical concepts if you don’t want to indulge yourself in trouble. Even if it makes good furniture.

In woodworking, many difficulties exist that only expert carpenters know as they found them by trial and error of years. Choosing the wrong wood type for your project can have a number of negative effects. Such as weak joints, ruining your tools, bad cuts, all the problems will lead you to completely wasting your money

If you are a beginner in carpentry, it is recommended that you start practicing on woods that are easy to cut. Read more: Problems with table saws in woodworking.

In fact, carpentry is more about cutting wood pieces, making joints, the wood that gets cut easier is considered easy while others that require extra power due to their hard nature, are considered hard to deal with. 

Is oak easy or hard or work with?

If you want to know working with oak will be easy or difficult. Here’s what to know.

Oak trees are famous for some good reasons. However, some advantages and disadvantages also do exist.

As a beginner, you might get attracted to working with this wood. But even if you are opting for oak, It is worth noting that oak is one of the more challenging woods to work with.

An oak tree has many species, the popular ones are white and red oak that is mostly used in carpentry.

When it comes to cutting hardwoods, they present different challenges than softwoods. 

Like most hardwood trees, oak trees also have a strong structure. Oak trees have a density greater than other trees because of their closed cells, although this property is the reason behind why it’s water-resistant. 

• Cutting oak trees can be problematic. You might require a power saw to do this job if you really want to make precise cuts. As precision and accuracy come with powerful and sharp blades.

• Working with softwoods such as pine, fur, are easy to make cuts, a normal table saw can make precise cuts. 

• Hardwoods on the other hand such as oak and cherry, require powerful saws to make cuts- due to their denser nature.

Guide to work with oak wood.

• Use sharp tools: If you want to make fine and straight cuts, sharp blades are the must-have thing you should consider. Along with that, a powerful motor is needed because to cut through an oak timber, more power is required.

• Don’t use iron-base metals for joining: As the tannins in the oak can react with the iron causing staining, it is best to avoid using iron-based metals. Copper, aluminum, and brass are far better options, but brass fittings can be prone to shearing, even as they complement the oak’s color

• Use kiln-dried oak timbers: Iron can rust in green oak, weakening the joint because of the higher water content. In addition to the metal becoming corroded and weak, the wood that comes into contact with it may weaken as well. Losing the strength of joints. The drying oak will grip the pieces tightly as it shrinks around them, forming a stronger joint. They will also blend more seamlessly into the surrounding wood, resulting in a better finish.

Why choose oak?

For centuries oak is unknown for building beautiful, durable, strong furniture. It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor furniture models due to the fact, oak is hardwood and water is not actually a problem for this.

Oak’s physical characteristics make it an excellent choice for exterior use, construction, and furniture. In the roof-building industry, white oak is one of the rare types of wood used.

Oak is a sturdy, hard-wearing, and long-lasting wood. It is extremely resistant to water and pest damage and requires little or no upkeep. 

While its desirable properties also make it challenging to work with. Understanding the physical makeup of the timber itself and which cuts are most appropriate for the job in hand pays dividends.

Important:

Two types of oak tree timbers are popular in Europe. Red and white oak. 

• Red oak has more open grains, giving it a porous texture that significantly lowers its water resistance. Speaking of its physical markup, compared to white oak, red oak is relatively soft and easy to cut through.

• White oak on the other hand has closed pores, meaning the cells are attached together very closely. Hence, due to great density working with white oak is more challenging than red oak.

The important ones are the environment, sunlight, and the health of the soil. If either of the factors is not contributing, this will impact the production of acorns. I’ve done some research and found some species of oak trees with a fast rate of producing oak.

According to a research:

The sawtooth oak is the oak tree species that produces acorns at the youngest age, while white oak trees are the fastest-growing oak trees and produce mature acorns in just three months. However, regardless of the oak tree species, most oak trees don’t bear their best crops until after 50 years and before 80 years of age.

How long does it take for an oak tree to produce acorns?

Oak trees begin producing acorns at about 20 years old, but good acorn crops are irregular and occur only every 4-10 years. The peak production of acorns occurs from about 50 to 80 years, and after 80 years, acorn production tapers off. The production of acorns is influenced by several factors, including the age of the tree, the species of oak, and the environment.

But there are fast-growing species with a fast pace of growing acorns. 

For example: According to this site: 

The fastest acorn producing oak tree I found are:

• DOC- three to five years
• Swamp white- 3-8 yes
• Concordia- 3-5 yrs
• Bimundor- 3-5yrs

Oak trees growth rate

These are some oak species that grow acorns faster.

Oak species	Years Produce acorn
Northern red oak	6-8 years
White oak	7-10 years
Live oak	7 years
Shumard Oaktree	5-8 years
Willow oak	6-9 years
Water oak	4-6 years
Pin Oak	7-8 years
Nuttall oak	4-6 years
English oak trees	5-9 years

Oakwood trees that produce acorn fast

1. Northern red oak

With a growth rate of 12 inches per year, northern red oak species produce acorns in 7-10 years. Considering other oak species this is quite a rapid rate of growing acorns.

2. White oak

The white oak tree has a slow-growing rate, but it’s one the fastest oak species of producing acorns within a decade. The best thing about this species is, acorns grow every year.

3.Live oak

Live oak also produces acorn fruit faster, the tree species take somewhere 4-6 years for falling the first acorn fruit.

4. Shumard Oak Tree

Shumard is a rare oak species. To find it is not that easy in every region. The rate of producing acorns of Shumard oak trees is rapid and takes 6-8 years to grow an edible acorn.

5. Willow oak

The Willow oak is found in forests mostly. Being one of the rare species of the oak tree, it’s hard to find in the store. However, if you can manage to get the species. Best for you. As its rate of growing acorns is rapid, and almost every other year. Acorns fall. For animals like deer, the trees serve as a food plant.

6. Water oak

It’s probably one of the famous oak species known for its ability to grow faster. But do you know? Water oak also has a rapid rate of growing acorns and it does once a year, particularly in winters.

7. Pin Oak

Pin oak has a moderate rate of growing acorns. Takes 8 to 12 years to fully grow an acorn. However, it’s one of the few oak species which acorns have good taste.

8. Nuttall oak

Under optimal conditions, Nuttall oak species grow acorns within 10 years maximum. It’s not the fastest as some species in the list grow acorns in 6 years. It is, however, easier for you to get your hands on a Nuttall oak than other species that are harder to come by.

9. English oak trees

English oak trees also top the list when it comes to fast-acorn growing species. If you want to get the tree’s plant, you can easily get them at big box stores like Home Depot or lowes.

10. Southern live oak

A native of southern regions of the US, the southern oak. Within a decade of planting, it produces acorns. But many subspecies are attached to the name of southern oak. The fastest-growing one is a live oak, with acorns growing at a rate of 6 years.

What oak trees produce acorns every year?

Many oak species can produce acorns every year. But we will not get into all of them here since there are hundreds of species.

There is a heavy production every 3rd year for white oaks, which produces acorns every year

Here is the complete table for oak trees and their time of producing acorns:

Oak Tree Species	Time of Acorn Production
Northern Red Oak	Late August to Early September
White Oak	Late September to Early October
Pin Oak	Late September to Early October
Swamp Oak	Late September to Early October
Water Oak	September to October
Black Oak	Late September to Early October
Live Oak	Late September