White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (excellent resistance to rot and decay due to closed cellular structure with tyloses)
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent quarter-sawn ray fleck (medullary rays)
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish or yellowish cast; pale yellowish-white sapwood; darkens slightly to an amber tone with age and UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (excellent resistance to rot and decay due to closed cellular structure with tyloses)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawn figure
- Wood Age Estimate
- Kiln-dried lumber, relatively fresh stock, approximately 1-5 years old
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably harvested from managed forests
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrels), architectural millwork
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has moderate blunting effect on cutters; glues, stains, and finishes well, but prone to splitting when nailing or screwing so pre-boring is recommended
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil-based finishes, varnishes, lacquers, and polyurethane exceptionally well; water-based finishes can be used with care
Notable Features
Contains tyloses which make the wood water-resistant; high tannin content which can react with iron to cause dark blue-black stains
