White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack due to closed cellular structure containing tyloses.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture, typically featuring a prominent cathedral pattern when flat-sawn or distinctive medullary rays when quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast, while sapwood is a lighter tone and clearly demarcated; darkens slightly to a rich amber over time upon exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack due to closed cellular structure containing tyloses.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot for standard kiln-dried lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Living tree sample, estimated trunk age approximately 40 to 60 years based on bark texture and diameter.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely abundant and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, heavy-duty flooring, cabinetry, interior millwork, boat building, and tight cooperage (barrels for aging wine and whiskey).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to high density; glues, stains, and finishes well, but requires pre-boring for nailing and screwing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil, varnish, lacquer, and polyurethane exceptionally well; water-based finishes help preserve the natural light color without overly yellowing.
Notable Features
Contains high tannin content which reacts with iron to cause dark staining; closed cellular structure makes it naturally water-resistant.
