White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structure (tyloses), making it well-suited for outdoor and marine applications.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture, featuring distinct cathedral arches on the flat-sawn face.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish or yellowish cast, and paler sapwood. Luster is medium, and the wood darkens slightly to a rich amber over time with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structure (tyloses), making it well-suited for outdoor and marine applications.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and kiln-dried status
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent lumber, likely seasoned for several months to a few years.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List. Widely abundant and sustainably managed in North American forests with good FSC availability.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrels), and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a moderate blunting effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron (causing black stains) in the presence of moisture due to high tannin content.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and polyurethane very well. Water-based finishes help retain the lighter natural color, while oil-based finishes amber the wood.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses that plug the pores, making the wood water-resistant. High tannin content gives it good natural decay resistance and causes reactive staining with iron.
