White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, highly resistant to rot and insect attack
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a prominent ring-porous texture and visible growth ring boundaries
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish cast, and paler sapwood; moderate natural luster that darkens slightly with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, highly resistant to rot and insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot depending on grade
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively fresh milled or modern stock, estimated under 5-10 years
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists; widely abundant and sustainably managed in North America
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, and barrel making
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutters due to hardness and requires care with nailing or screwing to prevent splitting
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and varnishes exceptionally well; water-based finishes help preserve the lighter natural color, while oil finishes enhance the grain warmth
Notable Features
High tannin content which can react with iron to cause dark stains; excellent natural water resistance due to closed cellular structure (tyloses)
