White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture, exhibiting typical ring-porous growth rings and prominent ray flecks on quarter-sawn surfaces.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish or yellowish cast; pale yellowish-white sapwood that is clearly demarcated. Tends to darken to a richer amber or golden brown 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 per board foot depending on grade and thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be freshly milled to moderately seasoned, approximately 1 to 5 years old based on surface oxidation and cut marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant and sustainable; not listed on CITES appendices and generally evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Widely available with FSC certification options.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, boat building, exterior construction, tight cooperage (barrels), and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to split when nailed and can be abrasive to cutting edges due to high silica content. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and lacquers exceptionally well. Water-based finishes prevent excessive yellowing, while oil-based finishes enhance the natural warm tones of the wood.
Notable Features
High tannin content which causes it to react corrosively with iron and steel (causing blue-black stains); tyloses present in the pores make the heartwood resistant to liquid penetration.
