White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf, Hard
- Durability
- Very Durable, highly resistant to rot, weathering, and insect attack due to closed cellular structure (tyloses)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with pronounced quarter-sawn ray fleck patterns (medullary rays clearly visible)
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a distinct olive or yellow tint, and paler sapwood; exhibits good natural luster and deep light reflection on the ray flecks
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf, Hard
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, highly resistant to rot, weathering, and insect attack due to closed cellular structure (tyloses)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6 to 12 USD per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawn selection
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern finished lumber or recent stock, estimated 5-20 years old based on clean condition and stable oxidation
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed in North America
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, quarter-sawn flooring, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrels)
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has moderate to high blunting effect on cutters; glues, stains, and finishes well, but high tannin content can react with iron
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide range of finishes including oil, polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac; water-based finishes help preserve the natural light color without excessive ambering
Notable Features
High tannin content which reacts chemically with iron to form dark blue-black stains; contains closed cellular pores (tyloses) making it waterproof
