White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable, with very good resistance to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structure (tyloses).
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with prominent growth rings showing mixed flat-sawn and quarter-sawn patterns, characteristic of narrow strip flooring.
Color & Appearance
Medium to light brown with golden and reddish undertones, moderate natural luster, showing significant ambering and oxidation from age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable, with very good resistance to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structure (tyloses).
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6 to $12 per board foot for standard lumber, higher for salvaged/reclaimed flooring grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be 80 to 120 years old, typical of turn-of-the-century or early-to-mid 20th-century residential strip flooring.
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, widely distributed, not listed on CITES appendices, and of least concern on the IUCN Red List.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boat building, and tight cooperage.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to density. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, penetrating oils, or traditional shellac and wax. Pre-finishing sanding is required to remove surface wear and old oxidation layers.
Notable Features
High tannin content which reacts strongly with iron; closed cellular structure containing tyloses making it water-resistant.
