White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack, particularly due to closed cellular structures (tyloses).
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent, open pores visible in the ring-porous structure and characteristic broad medullary rays.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish cast, contrasting with paler sapwood. Exhibits moderate natural luster and darkens slightly to an amber tone over time when exposed to UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack, particularly due to closed cellular structures (tyloses).
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderate to High ($6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade, rift/quarter sawn cuts, and width).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be a modern or recently milled lumber sample (0 to 10 years old based on clean surfaces and lack of deep historic patina).
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Readily available and sustainably managed through FSC certification.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, hardwood flooring, cabinetry, interior millwork, boat building, and tight cooperage (barrels for aging wine and whiskey).
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a moderate blunting effect on cutters due to silica content. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron (causing black stains) in the presence of moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including oils, water-based and oil-based polyurethanes, varnishes, and lacquers. Pre-stain conditioner is rarely needed due to even absorption.
Notable Features
Contains high tannin content which makes it naturally resistant to rot and reactive with iron. Features distinct growth rings and striking silver grain flecks when quarter-sawn.
