White Oak (Quercus alba)
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and moisture due to tyloses blocking vessel pores.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly coarse grain with prominent earlywood pores, open structure, and visible ray flecks characteristic of ring-porous oak cut close to quarter/rift saw alignment.
Color & Appearance
Light brown to pale beige heartwood with creamy white sapwood tones; raw un-finished surface showing slight graying and mild iron-tannin blue/black staining marks near center.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and moisture due to tyloses blocking vessel pores.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $11.00 per board foot (depending on grade, thickness, and regional availability).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber sample; recent rough-sawn mill marks visible with minimal aging or patina, estimated freshly cut/processed board (under 5 years old).
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List); non-CITES listed; widely available certified sustainable (FSC/PEFC).
Common Uses
Cabinetry, hardwood flooring, fine furniture, cooperage (wine and whiskey barrels), architectural millwork, and boatbuilding.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Fair to good workability with machine tools; hard density can dull cutters; holds screws/nails well with pre-drilling required; glues well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and oils exceptionally well; film finishes like polyurethane, lacquer, or hard-wax oils are highly recommended after thorough sanding to remove surface rough saw marks.
Notable Features
High tannin content which causes dark blue-black staining when exposed to moisture and iron contact; tyloses structure makes heartwood water-tight.
