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 distinct growth rings visible on the end grain, ring-porous structure.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter, nearly white to yellowish-brown.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 - $6.00 per board foot for standard lumber, significantly lower or fire-wood value for hollow logs.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be several decades old based on the diameter and ring count of the harvested log.
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, highly sustainable, widely available and harvested responsibly.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, outdoor projects, barrel staves.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to density; glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and polyurethane very well. Water-based finishes prevent yellowing.
Notable Features
High tannin content providing natural resistance to rot and decay; tyloses in the pores make it watertight (used for casks). Center is severely decayed and hollow.
