White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood / Reclaimed
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse-textured grain with visible large pores; rift or flat-sawn appearance under heavy weathering
Color Description
Weathered gray exterior with yellowish-brown to tan heartwood visible in chipped areas; darkens to a deep brown with age and moisture
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores
Common Uses
Landscaping timber, railway ties, heavy construction, boat building, and reclaimed furniture
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.00 - $3.00 per board foot for reclaimed timber grade; higher if cleaned and remilled
Wood Age Estimate
50-100 years based on heavy oxidation, fungal staining, and degree of fiber separation
Sustainability Status
Least Concern; widely available and sustainable in its native range
Workability
Difficult when dry and weathered; high density can dull tools, and high tannin content may react with iron fasteners causing black staining
Notable Features
High tannin content, distinct acetic scent when cut, and presence of tyloses which make the wood waterproof/non-porous
Finish Recommendations
Requires extensive cleaning and kiln drying before finishing; penetrating oils or exterior epoxies recommended for reclaimed applications
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; based on the coarse fiber structure, characteristic yellow-brown heartwood, and typical decay pattern of structural oak timbers.