White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores. Exceptionally resistant to water and moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight grain with prominent cathedral figure in the flat-sawn sections and visible large rays. Porous texture typical of ring-porous species.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown. Characterized by low luster and a tendency to darken slightly over time.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores. Exceptionally resistant to water and moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern/Freshly milled; based on the lack of oxidation, sharp edges, and presence of fresh saw marks/fuzziness on the surface.
- Sustainability Status
- Sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available as FSC-certified.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools. It has a moderately high shrinkage rate resulting in mediocre dimensional stability. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) if wet.
Finish Recommendations
Takes finishes well, particularly oil-based stains which highlight the grain. Responds beautifully to fuming with ammonia to darken the color naturally.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic odor when being worked. Contains tyloses which plug the vessels, making the wood liquid-tight. High tannin content can cause corrosion in unprotected fasteners.
