White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Prominent quarter-sawn and plain-sawn grain with visible ray fleck patterns typical of white oak furniture construction
Color & Appearance
Medium to light brown with warm golden undertones, highlighted by a stained finish that accentuates the natural grain variation and distinct rays
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawn yield
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be a few decades old, based on modern hardware combined with traditional solid wood joinery and finish style
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, sustainable, and widely available with no CITES or IUCN restrictions
Common Uses
High-end furniture, dining tables, chairs, cabinetry, flooring, and boat building
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good overall workability; responds well to hand and machine tools, though it can dull cutting edges due to silica and requires pre-boring for screws
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, varnishes, and oil-based polyurethane exceptionally well, particularly medium tones that enhance the grain definition
Notable Features
Closed cellular structure due to tyloses making it naturally water-resistant, high tannin content, and distinctive ray fleck figure
