White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and moisture owing to tyloses in heartwood pores.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with prominent ray flecks characteristic of quarter-sawn or rift-sawn oak, producing distinct flecking and fine pore structures.
Color & Appearance
Medium golden-brown finish over light-to-medium tan heartwood, with darkened pore lines creating a distinct textured look under a clear protective finish.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and moisture owing to tyloses in heartwood pores.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on cut, grade, and thickness.
- Wood Age Estimate
- 20 to 50 years based on classic vintage furniture stain color and surface finish wear.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); abundant in North America with widespread FSC certification availability.
Common Uses
Furniture making, cabinetry, architectural millwork, interior doors, flooring, and barrels (cooperage).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good overall workability with power tools; requires sharp cutters to prevent tearout along the dense grain lines. Pre-drilling for screws is recommended.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and film finishes well. Polyurethane, lacquer, or wiped-on oil finishes enhance grain depth and ray flecking.
Notable Features
Tyloses in wood pores render it non-porous and water-tight. High tannin content can cause blue-black reaction with iron fasteners in humid conditions.
