White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to decay, rot, and moisture due to closed cellular structure containing tyloses.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Flat-sawn and plain-sawn face features prominent cathedral grain patterns and visible growth ring boundaries.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is a lighter white to cream color, sharply demarcated from the heartwood. Moderate natural luster and darkens slightly to a rich amber over time with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to decay, rot, and moisture due to closed cellular structure containing tyloses.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and thickness.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively fresh to moderately aged rough-sawn lumber, likely less than 5 to 10 years old based on surface oxidation and lack of heavy patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available and sustainably managed in North American forests.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry,flooring, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrels), and timber framing.
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 (causing black stains) in the presence of moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and varnishes exceptionally well. Water-based finishes can be used with a tannin-blocking sealer if necessary.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it water-resistant. High tannin content can cause corrosion and staining when exposed to ferrous metals.
