White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture, featuring prominent growth rings and distinct medullary rays typical of quarter-sawn or plain-sawn white oak.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive or grayish cast. Sapwood is lighter in color, forming a distinct pale band along the edges. Darkens slightly with age and exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be freshly milled to a few years old based on clean surfaces and lack of heavy patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely available, and not listed on CITES appendices.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, hardwood flooring, boat building, tight cooperage (barrels), and exterior construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to silica content. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including oils, polyurethane, lacquer, and varnishes. Water-based finishes help preserve the natural lighter color.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the heartwood vessels, making it naturally resistant to liquid penetration and rot, which historically made it ideal for ship building and whiskey barrels.
