White Oak — Quercus alba

White Oak

Quercus alba · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern North America
Hardness
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability
Very Durable with high resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack.

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Grain Pattern

Straight grain with a prominent cathedral pattern on flat-sawn surfaces and visible medullary rays.

Color & Appearance

Light to medium brown heartwood with a paler sapwood, darkening slightly with age and ambering under light.

Hardness (Janka)

1,350 lbf (Hard)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Very Durable with high resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

8 to 15 dollars per board foot

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Estimated at 30 to 50 years based on growth ring width and bark thickness.

Common Uses

Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, and tight cooperage.

Geographic Origin

Eastern North America

Workability

Accepts screws and nails well, though pre-boring is recommended; responds moderately to hand and machine tools.

Finish Recommendations

Accepts oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and varnishes exceptionally well after light sanding.

Notable Features

Closed cellular structure due to tyloses, making the wood water-resistant, with distinctive ray fleck patterns.

Learn more about White Oak in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified November 3, 2026