White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent, long ray flecks visible on quarter-sawn surfaces
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish cast, pale whitish-yellow sapwood. Darkens slightly to an amber tone over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot for standard lumber
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 10-30 years based on modern finished appearance
- Sustainability Status
- Species of least concern, widely abundant and sustainably harvested with FSC certification options
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrels)
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has moderate to high blunting effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and varnish exceptionally well. Water-based finishes can sometimes raise the grain slightly.
Notable Features
Closed cellular structure due to tyloses in the heartwood making it water-resistant, high tannin content which reacts with iron to cause staining.
