White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with prominent ray fleck visible from quarter-sawn appearance; distinctive dark mineral streaks and inclusions present in the right board.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown with slightly grayish cast, featuring contrasting darker streaks and natural color variations typical of characteristic oak.
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 quality
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern to moderately seasoned lumber (freshly cut or planed components visible via recent sawdust accumulation).
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available with good sustainable forestry management practices.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, exterior construction, and barrel making (tight cooperage).
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 prone to iron-stain reactions.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including oil, polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac; water-based finishes help preserve the natural lighter color without excessive ambering.
Notable Features
Contains closed cellular structures (tyloses) making it water-resistant, high tannin content which reacts strongly with ferrous metals to produce dark stains.
