White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, with excellent resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack, largely due to closed cellular structure and high tannin content.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a coarse, uneven texture and prominent growth rings visible on the cross-cut end grain.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is light to medium brown, often with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter, nearly white to light brown. Weathered outer surface has turned silvery gray due to exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, with excellent resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack, largely due to closed cellular structure and high tannin content.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 8.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and kiln-dried status
- Wood Age Estimate
- The freshly cut stump indicates a recently felled living tree, while the growth ring count suggests the tree was likely between 60 to 90 years old.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List. Widely available and sustainably managed through North American forestry programs.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, outdoor construction, boat building, cooperage (barrels), and timber framing.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Moderate workability. Responds well to hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to density. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but prone to splitting when nailed without pre-drilling.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, varnish, or penetrating oils work well. Water-based finishes may raise grain; oil-based finishes enhance the natural golden-brown warmth of the wood.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the heartwood vessels which make it impervious to liquid water, explaining its historical use in ship building and liquid storage barrels. High tannin content can react with iron.
