White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to decay, rot, and moisture thanks to tyloses blocking the pores, making it ideal for exterior use and boat building.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a prominent ring-porous structure visible on the end grain, showing wide growth rings and distinct large earlywood pores transitioning to dense latewood.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish cast, distinct paler sapwood, moderate natural luster, and a tendency to darken slightly to a rich amber tone with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to decay, rot, and moisture thanks to tyloses blocking the pores, making it ideal for exterior use and boat building.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 5.00 to 10.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawn figure
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent cut or newly prepared sample, showing minimal oxidation or surface patina on the end grain face.
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, sustainable, not CITES listed, IUCN Least Concern, widely available with FSC certified options.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, hardwood flooring, heavy timber framing, exterior decking, boat building, cabinetry, tight cooperage (barrels for wine and whiskey).
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutters due to its density; glues, stains, and finishes well, but requires pre-boring for nailing and screwing to prevent splitting.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including oil, polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac; water-based finishes help preserve the natural light color, while oil-based finishes enhance warmth and grain contrast.
Notable Features
Contains high tannin content which reacts chemically with iron to cause dark staining; closed cell structure due to tyloses makes it water-resistant; distinct pleasant scent when freshly cut.
