White Oak (bark sample shown)
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; high natural rot and decay resistance, resistant to water absorption due to tyloses in heartwood pores.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with coarse texture; prominent ray fleck figure visible when quarter-sawn. Image shows deeply furrowed, blocky bark.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light to medium brown, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is pale brown to white. Darkens slightly over time with age.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; high natural rot and decay resistance, resistant to water absorption due to tyloses in heartwood pores.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot for lumber depending on grade and cut (e.g., quarter-sawn).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Living mature tree sample; bark texture indicates an older tree specimen (estimated 50+ years).
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Least Concern; not CITES listed. Widely available and sustainably managed across North America.
Common Uses
Flooring, cabinetry, fine furniture, barrel making (cooperage), boatbuilding, heavy construction, and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good workability with both hand and machine tools; high tannic acid content can dull blades and react with iron fasteners (causing blue-black staining). Glues, screws, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stain easily. Oil-based or water-based polyurethanes, lacquer, and hardwax oils work exceptionally well. Pre-sealers can prevent tannin bleed through.
Notable Features
High tannin content; presence of tyloses makes heartwood impermeable to water; classic deeply blocky and furrowed ash-gray bark structure.
