White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable, with excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structure (tyloses).
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture, often featuring prominent growth rings with distinctive ray fleck when quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast; sapwood is a lighter tone and clearly demarcated. Darkens moderately upon exposure to UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable, with excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structure (tyloses).
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 7.00 USD per board foot for standard lumber; log value varies significantly based on diameter and straightness.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut to recently seasoned log section, estimated at 30 to 50 years of growth based on bark thickness and relative ring density.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally considered of least concern by the IUCN. Readily available from sustainably managed forests.
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 can blunt cutting edges due to high silica content. Responds well to steam bending, gluing, and screwing, but pre-drilling is recommended.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, oils, varnishes, and lacquers exceptionally well. Water-based finishes prevent excessive yellowing over time.
Notable Features
High tannin content which can react with iron to cause dark staining. Possesses closed cellular structures called tyloses making it water-resistant.
