White Oak — Quercus alba

White Oak

Quercus alba · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern North America
Hardness
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability
Very Durable, with excellent natural resistance to rot and decay.

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Grain Pattern

Straight grain with a prominent flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible on the face.

Color & Appearance

Light brown to grayish-brown heartwood with a distinct paler sapwood, darkening slightly with age.

Hardness (Janka)

1350 lbf (Hard)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Very Durable, with excellent natural resistance to rot and decay.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

6 to 12 dollars per board foot

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 20-40 years based on surface oxidation and weathering marks.

Common Uses

Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and boat building.

Geographic Origin

Eastern North America

Workability

Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has a moderate blunting effect on cutters.

Finish Recommendations

Accepts stains, polyurethane, and oil finishes well after proper sanding.

Notable Features

Contains tyloses in the pores which provide natural water-tightness and high tannin content.

Learn more about White Oak in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified October 29, 2026