White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (resistant to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structure containing tyloses)
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a coarse, uneven texture and prominent ring-porous structure.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish cast, and paler whitish-to-yellowish sapwood. Darkens slightly to a warm amber with age and UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (resistant to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structure containing tyloses)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 7.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawing.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively recent (less than 10-20 years old) based on surface texture and lack of heavy oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not threatened; listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and widely available as FSC-certified.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrels), and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has high shrinkage and can react with iron fasteners causing dark stains.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, oils, and varnishes exceptionally well. Water-based finishes prevent excessive yellowing.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it water-resistant; high tannin content causes black discoloration when exposed to iron in the presence of moisture.
