White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (Excellent resistance to decay and rot due to closed cellular structure with tyloses)
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture. The image shows a combination of flat-sawn and rift-sawn boards with subtle cathedral patterns and small knots.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a somewhat grayish cast, and a lighter sapwood that is typically not sharply demarcated from the heartwood. It has a moderate natural luster and darkens slightly to a warm amber with age and exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (Excellent resistance to decay and rot due to closed cellular structure with tyloses)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively recently milled (0-5 years), showing fresh pale tones with minimal significant aging patina yet.
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, widely available, and not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List. Readily available as FSC certified.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, hardwood flooring, boat building, tight cooperage (barrels), and exterior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to its density. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron (tastes/turns black) in high moisture conditions.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and varnishes exceptionally well. Water-based or oil-based polyurethanes are commonly used for durability, while hardwax oils preserve the natural matte look.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the heartwood vessels making it water-resistant. High tannin content gives it good natural decay resistance and causes it to react chemically with ferrous metals.
