White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture, showing prominent growth rings characteristic of plain-sawn or rift-sawn boards.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish or yellowish cast; significantly lighter sapwood. Color tends to darken slightly to a warm amber with age and exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 7.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately modern, approximately 5 to 20 years old based on surface appearance and lack of heavy historical oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not considered threatened by the IUCN; widely available and sustainably managed in North American forests.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, boat building, and tight cooperage (barrels).
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutters due to its density. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron (causes dark staining) due to high tannin content.
Finish Recommendations
Takes a wide variety of finishes including oils, varnishes, lacquers, and polyurethane. Pre-staining conditioners can help achieve even coloring.
Notable Features
High tannin content providing natural rot resistance, closed cellular structure (tylose) making it water-resistant, and distinct ray fleck patterns when quarter-sawn.
