White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay due to tyloses in the pores
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent ray fleck (quarter-sawn appearance) and a small knot figure
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown with olive or yellowish hues, sapwood is lighter, moderate luster, darkens slightly with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay due to tyloses in the pores
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot depending on grade
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber, estimated modern rough-sawn board
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern, widely abundant and sustainably harvested with FSC certification widely available
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, coopering (barrels)
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Good workability with hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutters; glues, stains, and finishes well, high tannin content can react with iron
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, polyurethane, varnish, and lacquer very well; water-based finishes may raise grain slightly
Notable Features
Contains tyloses which make it water-resistant; high tannin content; distinctive ray fleck when quarter-sawn
