White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, highly resistant to decay and rot due to closed cellular structure (tyloses)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a coarse, uneven texture
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast; sapwood is white to light brown and distinct
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, highly resistant to decay and rot due to closed cellular structure (tyloses)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot for standard lumber
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut or recently fallen log (estimated green wood, under 1 year since felling)
- Sustainability Status
- Species of least concern according to the IUCN; widely available and sustainably harvested
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, and cooperage (barrels)
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has a high tendency to split when nailing or screwing, requiring pre-drilling
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, oils, and varnishes well; polyurethane and conversion varnishes provide excellent durability
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the pores which make the heartwood water-resistant; high tannin content which can react with iron and cause staining
