White Oak — Quercus alba

White Oak

Quercus alba · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern North America
Hardness
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability
Very Durable, offering excellent natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Straight grain with a prominent cathedral pattern on flat-sawn surfaces and noticeable ray fleck on quarter-sawn boards.

Color & Appearance

Light to medium brown heartwood with a distinct paler sapwood, darkening gracefully to a warm amber patina over time.

Hardness (Janka)

1360 lbf (Hard)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Very Durable, offering excellent natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot for standard lumber grades.

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-50 years based on growth ring density and surface oxidation.

Common Uses

Fine furniture, heavy-duty flooring, tight-cooperage barrels, and architectural millwork.

Geographic Origin

Eastern North America

Workability

Responds well to hand and machine tools, though it requires pre-boring for screw fixings due to high density.

Finish Recommendations

Accepts stains, oils, and varnishes exceptionally well; clear polyurethane or Danish oil highlights the grain structure.

Notable Features

Contains tyloses that clog the pores, making the wood naturally water-resistant and suitable for liquid containment.

Learn more about White Oak in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified October 18, 2026