White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture, exhibiting prominent ray fleck patterns indicative of quarter-sawn or rift-sawn orientation.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is lighter, nearly white to cream, with moderate color darkening to a rich amber or golden brown upon UV exposure and aging.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawn figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be kiln-dried lumber milled within the last few years, showing fresh surfaces with minimal surface weathering.
- Sustainability Status
- Species of least concern according to the IUCN. Widely available, sustainably harvested, and frequently FSC certified.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, tight cooperage (barrels), exterior construction, and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to silica content. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron to cause dark staining due to high tannin content.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide range of finishes including oil, polyurethane, lacquer, and varnish. Water-based finishes prevent excessive yellowing, while oil-based finishes enhance the natural warm amber tones.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the heartwood vessels which make it water-resistant and suitable for liquid containment. High tannin content provides natural decay resistance.
