White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, highly resistant to rot and insect attack
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with distinct growth rings and prominent rays visible on quarter-sawn surfaces
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish cast and a distinct paler sapwood; dark flake patterns from the wood rays
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, highly resistant to rot and insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately aged (several decades based on patina)
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, sustainable, and widely available with no CITES restrictions
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, and tight cooperage (barrels)
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, but can react with iron to form black stains due to high tannin content
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, oils, varnishes, and polyurethane very well, though water-based finishes may raise grain slightly
Notable Features
Closed cellular structure due to tyloses, high tannin content, and distinctive ray fleck patterns
