White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; heartwood is rot and decay resistant with tyloses that plug ports, making it water-resistant. Highly resistant to insects.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with prominent medullary rays (flecking) visible in quarter-sawn areas; ring-porous structure with distinct growth rings.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter off-white to light brown. Darkens over time with light exposure. Low to medium luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; heartwood is rot and decay resistant with tyloses that plug ports, making it water-resistant. Highly resistant to insects.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively fresh/recent rough-sawn lumber. Shows rough mill marks (chatter) and minimal oxidation, suggesting it has been cut within the last year.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed. FSC certification common.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrel making (cooperage), interior trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well. Reaction with iron can cause blue/black staining.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or penetrating oils. Responds exceptionally well to fuming with ammonia to darken the wood. Use sealers to prevent tannin pull if using water-based finishes.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can react with steel fasteners. Pores are clogged with tyloses, making it suitable for liquid-tight containers.
