White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Ring-porous structure with prominent growth rings and distinct radial rays visible on the end grain
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter, nearly white to yellowish-brown
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot (standard lumber); log value varies
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated between 50 to 80 years based on ring count approximation and log diameter
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely abundant, not CITES listed, readily available with FSC certification options
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrels)
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally good workability; responds well to hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutters and requires pre-boring for screws. Glues, stains, and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, polyurethanes, and lacquers exceptionally well; reactive finishes like fuming or iron acetate produce rich dark tones due to high tannin content
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it water-resistant and suitable for liquid-tight containers like barrels
