White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to closed cellular structure with tyloses)
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture, featuring a plain-sawn and rift-sawn face pattern.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a distinct paler sapwood. Exhibits moderate natural luster and darkens slightly to a rich amber tone with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to closed cellular structure with tyloses)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and kiln-drying.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately recent lumber, roughly 5 to 20 years old, showing standard surface oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely abundant and sustainably harvested.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, boat building, and tight cooperage (barrels).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to split when nailed and reacts with iron (turning dark) in the presence of moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and polyurethane very well. Water-based finishes help preserve the natural light color without excessive ambering.
Notable Features
High tannin content which provides natural rot resistance and causes corrosion when in contact with unsealed ferrous metals.
