White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a coarse, uneven texture and visible prominent growth rings and rays.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish cast, and paler sapwood. Tends to darken slightly to a warm amber with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled rough-sawn lumber, estimated 1 to 5 years since harvesting.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally considered of least concern by the IUCN, widely available as FSC-certified.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, and cooperage.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has high shrinkage and can react with iron to cause black stains.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well; polyurethane, varnish, and oils all produce excellent results.
Notable Features
Closed cellular structure containing tyloses making it water-resistant, high tannin content.
