White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (resistant to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structure with tyloses)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture, featuring characteristic prominent growth rings and ray fleck patterns when quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is a lighter white to cream color. Darkens slightly to a rich amber tone over time with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (resistant to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structure with tyloses)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot (standard domestic lumber pricing)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be 20 to 50 years old based on surface wear and oxidation patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available and sustainably managed in North American forests.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, boat building, exterior construction, and tight cooperage (barrels).
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.
Finish Recommendations
Reactions well with oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and water-based varnishes. Pre-staining or using a sanding sealer can help achieve an even color.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses that plug the pores, making the wood water-resistant and suitable for liquid containment. High tannin content makes it durable against rot but reactive to ferrous metals.
