White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1,350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (Excellent resistance to decay and rot due to closed cellular structure)
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent, visible growth rings and distinct medullary rays characteristic of quarter-sawn or rift-sawn oak
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown with occasional olive or greyish casts; sapwood is lighter in tone. Tends to darken slightly to a warm amber with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (Excellent resistance to decay and rot due to closed cellular structure)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawn figure
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively modern kiln-dried lumber, roughly 1 to 5 years old based on clean surface condition
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available with FSC-certified options
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, hardwood flooring, boat building, exterior construction, and tight cooperage (barrels)
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron to cause black staining due to high tannin content.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including oils, polyurethane, lacquer, and varnishes. Water-based finishes prevent excessive yellowing if a natural look is desired.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the heartwood vessels making it water-resistant; high tannin content; prominent ray fleck pattern when quarter-sawn.
