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 irregular grain with flat-sawn and plain-sliced characteristics, featuring notable knots and rustic character marks.
Color & Appearance
Medium to dark golden-brown with warmer amber undertones, contrasting darker knots and grain lines, moderate natural luster, and darkens slightly to a rich honey patina with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot (standard domestic lumber pricing)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 5 to 15 years based on modern furniture construction styling and light oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, flooring, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to high density; glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including oils, polyurethane, and varnishes; water-based finishes help preserve the natural light brown color without excessive ambering.
Notable Features
High tannin content which reacts with iron to cause staining, highly resistant to moisture penetration due to closed cellular structures in heartwood.
