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 fungal decay, making it popular for outdoor and marine use.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with distinct ring-porous structure and prominent growth rings, typical of plain-sawn or natural log cross-sections.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter, nearly white to yellowish-brown. Luster is medium.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay, making it popular for outdoor and marine use.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 7.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and lumber thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut log, estimated tree age around 50 to 80 years based on ring count visibility on the end grain.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely abundant, not listed on CITES appendices, readily available with good forest management.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, architectural millwork, boat building, and tight cooperage (barrels).
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutters due to density. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron to cause dark staining.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and polyurethane very well. Water-based finishes prevent excessive yellowing if a natural look is desired.
Notable Features
High tannin content provides natural decay resistance. Contains tyloses in the pores which make the wood water-resistant and suitable for liquid containment.
