White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable with high resistance to rot and fungal decay
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with pronounced growth rings and noticeable open pores characteristic of ring-porous hardwoods
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown with olive or grayish casts, moderate natural luster, and very minimal color difference between heartwood and sapwood
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable with high resistance to rot and fungal decay
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or recently processed stock, estimated under 1 to 5 years old
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed in North American forests
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, tight cooperage (barrels), and architectural millwork
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Responds well to hand and machine tools, though it has high density and can blunt cutting edges; steam bends exceptionally well and glues, stains, and finishes reliably
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including oils, polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac; water-based finishes may slightly raise the grain requiring light sanding between coats
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the pores which make it water-resistant; high tannin content which can react with iron to cause dark blue-black staining
