White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structures (tyloses), making it suitable for outdoor and wet applications.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a prominent cathedral pattern from flat-sawn cutting, featuring characteristic long rays and open pores visible in the texture.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive or grayish cast, contrasting with a lighter pale sapwood. Exhibits moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structures (tyloses), making it suitable for outdoor and wet applications.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawing.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively modern, well-dried kiln-dried lumber, approximately 5 to 15 years old based on stable coloration and lack of heavy oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant and sustainable, not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red list, widely available with FSC certification options.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrels), and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a moderate blunting effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron to cause dark staining.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, oils, varnishes, and polyurethane very well. Water-based finishes prevent yellowing if a natural look is desired.
Notable Features
High tannin content which reacts chemically with iron; contains tyloses in the pores that make the heartwood water-resistant.
