White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, excellent resistance to decay and rot due to tyloses in the pores
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent ray fleck from quarter-sawn cut orientation
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a slightly grayish cast, and paler sapwood; moderate natural luster
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, excellent resistance to decay and rot due to tyloses in the pores
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawn figure
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated relatively modern kiln-dried lumber, less than 10 years old based on clean surfaces and lack of deep oxidation
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, abundant and widely available, frequently certified by FSC
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, and cooperage
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good overall workability; responds well to hand and machine tools, but can react with iron to cause discoloration and requires pre-boring for nailing
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and polyurethane very well; water-based finishes help preserve the natural light color without excessive ambering
Notable Features
High tannin content makes it corrosive to ferrous metals and resistant to fungal decay, distinctive open pores plugged with tyloses
