White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to closed cellular structure with tyloses, making it suitable for outdoor applications)
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a prominent quarter-sawn figure, exhibiting distinct, broad medullary rays (often referred to as ray fleck) running vertically across the face.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish or yellowish cast, and paler sapwood. Exhibits moderate natural luster and tends to darken slightly to a richer amber hue with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to closed cellular structure with tyloses, making it suitable for outdoor applications)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawn selection
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern or recently milled lumber (less than 10 years old based on clean, untreated surface and lack of heavy oxidation patina)
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (Not listed on CITES appendices, widely available as certified sustainably managed by FSC)
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, hardwood flooring, boat building, exterior construction, barrels, and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has high density and can blunt cutters. Responds well to gluing, staining, and screwing, but pre-drilling is recommended to prevent splitting.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including oil, polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac. Water-based finishes help preserve the lighter natural color, while oil-based finishes amber the wood.
Notable Features
High tannin content which can react with iron to cause dark staining; closed cellular structure contains tyloses making it water-resistant; distinct ray fleck figure when quarter-sawn.
