White Oak (or Red Oak)
Quercus alba (or Quercus rubra) · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Janka rating) - Hard
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable (especially White Oak); highly resistant to rot, decay, and moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain visible beneath prominent diagonal rough-sawn saw marks (circular saw/headsaw kerf lines), showing characteristic coarse texture and prominent medullary rays consistent with quartersawn or plain-sawn oak.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium tan/beige hue with pale yellowish undertones; unpolished and raw rough-sawn surface concealing fine color nuances.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Janka rating) - Hard
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable (especially White Oak); highly resistant to rot, decay, and moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.50 - $7.50 per board foot (Rough Sawn Grade)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled raw lumber, freshly sawn to less than 1-2 years old based on clean, bright surface without deep weathering patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely available, sustainable forestry practices in North America with FSC certification readily accessible.
Common Uses
Rough dimensional lumber, timber framing, flooring substrate, rustic furniture, pallet construction, outdoor construction, and barrel staves.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Easy to machine and cut, but hard on blades; moderate blunting effect due to density. Requires jointing and planing to smooth out heavy saw marks visible on this face.
Finish Recommendations
Planer/jointer surface preparation required first; takes clear oil finishes (penetrating oils, tung oil), polyurethane, lacquer, and stains very well once smoothed.
Notable Features
High tannin content which can react with iron/steel fasteners to cause dark blue/black staining when wet; heavy, dense, and strong structure.
