White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf - Hard
- Durability
- Very Durable, with excellent resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack due to closed cellular structure (tyloses).
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture, typically displaying a distinctive cathedral or quarter-sawn ray fleck pattern.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast, while sapwood is lighter in color and clearly demarcated. Darkens slightly to a rich amber with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf - Hard
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, with excellent resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack due to closed cellular structure (tyloses).
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 7.00 USD per board foot for standard lumber grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Living tree, estimated 35-50 years based on trunk diameter and bark development.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not considered threatened by the IUCN. Readily available as FSC-certified lumber.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, hardwood flooring, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrels), and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has moderate blunting effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron (tannin staining).
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including oils, polyurethane, lacquer, and varnish. Pre-staining conditioners are rarely needed, but non-reactive fasteners should be used to avoid staining.
Notable Features
High tannin content which provides natural decay resistance, but causes black staining when in contact with ungalvanized iron or steel.
