White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable, with excellent resistance to rot and decay, particularly heartwood due to tyloses.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a prominent cathedral pattern from flat-sawing, showing distinct ring-porous growth rings and coarse texture.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish or yellowish cast, and lighter sapwood. Moderate natural luster, darkening slightly to an amber tone with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable, with excellent resistance to rot and decay, particularly heartwood due to tyloses.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern or recently milled lumber, estimated 1 to 5 years old based on clean, untreated surface and fresh color.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern conservation status, widely available, not listed on CITES, highly sustainable with good forest management and FSC certification widely available.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, and tight cooperage (barrels).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to silica content. Reacts strongly with iron (causing dark stains) and glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and varnishes very well. Water-based finishes prevent excessive ambering if a natural look is desired, while oil-based finishes enhance the rich grain warmth.
Notable Features
High tannin content which causes staining when in contact with iron. Contains tyloses in the pores which make the wood water-resistant and suitable for liquid storage.
