White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a prominent ring-porous structure and visible broad ray flecks typical of quarter-sawn or turned surfaces.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive or yellow cast, and a distinct paler sapwood. Exhibits moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot for lumber, higher for specialized turning blanks.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be a few decades old based on the patina and turned finish of the bowl.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern conservation status, widely available, and managed sustainably in North American forests.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, barrel making, and woodturning (such as bowls).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has high tannin content which can react with iron and cause corrosion or staining.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and varnishes exceptionally well. Danish oil or polyurethane are popular choices for turned items like bowls.
Notable Features
Closed cellular structure containing tyloses making it resistant to liquid penetration (water-tight), high tannin content.
