White Oak — Quercus alba

White Oak

Quercus alba · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern North America
Hardness
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability
Very Durable with high resistance to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structures.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Straight grain with prominent growth rings and distinct medullary ray flecks on quarter-sawn surfaces.

Color & Appearance

Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish cast and paler sapwood; darkens slightly to amber with age.

Hardness (Janka)

1,350 lbf (Hard)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Very Durable with high resistance to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structures.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

$6 to $12 per board foot depending on grade and rift-sawn quality.

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 to 40 years based on surface oxidation and milling marks.

Common Uses

Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, and tight cooperage.

Geographic Origin

Eastern North America

Workability

Good overall workability with hand and machine tools, though it responds well to steam bending and glues reliably.

Finish Recommendations

Accepts stains, oils, and polyurethane well, though water-based finishes can raise the grain.

Notable Features

Contains tyloses that plug pores, making the wood water-resistant, along with striking ray fleck patterns.

Learn more about White Oak in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified October 17, 2026