White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable with high resistance to rot and fungal decay
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a characteristic cathedral pattern when flat-sawn and pronounced medullary rays
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a distinct pale yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable with high resistance to rot and fungal decay
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot for lumber, variable for whole logs
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated freshly harvested to recently felled log, approximately 30 to 50 years old based on bark characteristics and log diameter
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, widely abundant, not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, cooperage, and wood turning
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high tannin content which can react with iron and cause staining
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and polyurethanes exceptionally well; water-based finishes help prevent yellowing
Notable Features
Closed cellular structure due to tyloses making it water-resistant, high tannin content, pleasant natural woody scent
