White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (Excellent resistance to decay and rot, often used in boat building and exterior applications due to closed cellular structure).
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with pronounced cathedral and flat-sawn growth ring patterns, featuring prominent knots and swirling characteristics around branch intersections.
Color & Appearance
Medium to dark brown coloration with greyish undertones and lighter contrasting mineral streaks, showing moderate luster and wire-brushed texture highlighting the growth rings.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (Excellent resistance to decay and rot, often used in boat building and exterior applications due to closed cellular structure).
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per square foot for finished flooring material.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern manufactured flooring product installed within the last 5 to 10 years, showing intentional distressed or worn characteristics.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List. Widely available and sustainably harvested in North America, with FSC-certified options readily accessible.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boat building, architectural millwork, and barrel staves.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high tendency to split when nailed and can react with iron fasteners causing dark stains due to tannin content.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, UV-cured oils, or hardwax oils. Often wire-brushed and treated with reactive stains or white-wash fillers to accentuate the grain contrast.
Notable Features
Contains high tannin content making it naturally resistant to insects and fungi. Features tyloses in the pores which make the heartwood water-resistant.
