White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in heartwood pores; good insect resistance.
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Grain Pattern
Straight and coasre with a prominent cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face; medium to large pores visible.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is significantly lighter, ranging from white to light brown. Darkens slightly with age.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in heartwood pores; good insect resistance.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled to slightly aged (less than 5 years) based on minimal oxidation and crisp mill marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainable; FSC certification commonly available.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, furniture, interior trim, flooring, boatbuilding, and cooperage (whiskey and wine barrels).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine and hand tools; high shrinkage can cause movement; reacts with iron to produce blue/black stains.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based stains and polyurethane; takes film finishes and paint well, though grain filling is required for mirror-smooth surfaces.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when wet; high tannin content; tyloses make the wood waterproof/airtight; heavy and strong.
