White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack due to tyloses in the pores.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with pronounced open pores, featuring a mixed flat-sawn and rift-sawn surface showing visible ray fleck.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a distinct paler sapwood. Tends to darken slightly to a warm amber tone upon prolonged exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack due to tyloses in the pores.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and thickness.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be freshly cut to a few years old based on bright coloring and lack of heavy patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists of threatened species. Abundant and widely available with good sustainable forestry options.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, hardwood flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, and tight cooperage (barrels).
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending, but can react with iron fasteners causing dark staining due to high tannin content.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including oils, varnishes, lacquers, and polyurethane. Water-based finishes may raise the grain slightly.
Notable Features
High tannin content makes it naturally resistant to decay and reactive with iron. Features prominent medullary rays that produce striking ray fleck patterns when quartered.
