White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture, featuring characteristic wide medullary rays visible on quarter-sawn surfaces.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish cast in some weathered boards, and distinct paler sapwood. Tends to darken slightly to a warm amber over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Likely a modern or recently milled lumber sample, showing minimal deep oxidation, though the surface displays rough mill marks indicating it has not yet been planed.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available and sustainably managed in North America.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrels), and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to its density. Responds well to steam bending, gluing, and screwing, but pre-boring is recommended.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and varnishes exceptionally well. Water-based finishes prevent excessive yellowing, while oil-based finishes enhance the natural grain depth.
Notable Features
High tannin content which can react with iron to cause staining; closed cellular structure due to tyloses blocking the pores, which makes it water-resistant.
