White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture, typically exhibiting distinct growth rings and sometimes featuring a cathedral or quarter-sawn ray fleck pattern.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast, while the sapwood is a lighter white to cream color. It darkens slightly with age and exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 7.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and cut
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be a recently harvested log, approximately 1 to 3 years old based on bark condition and moisture content.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely available, not CITES listed, and commonly managed through sustainable forestry practices.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry,flooring, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrels), and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to its density. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but prone to splitting when nailed without pre-boring.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, lacquers, and varnishes exceptionally well. Water-based finishes may react with tannins, so a seal coat is sometimes recommended.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the pores which make the heartwood resistant to liquid penetration, high tannin content, and excellent dimensional stability.
