White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent decay resistance and rot resistance. Historically used for shipbuilding and tight cooperage (barrels) due to its closed cellular structure (tyloses).
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Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn with prominent medullary rays (flecking). The grain is straight with a coarse, uneven texture. Distinctive ray fleck figure is visible due to the radial cut.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is near-white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden tone and darkens slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent decay resistance and rot resistance. Historically used for shipbuilding and tight cooperage (barrels) due to its closed cellular structure (tyloses).
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot for Select/Better quarter-sawn stock.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled/re-sawn. The presence of rough saw marks and light surface oxidation suggests it is a contemporary sample rather than an antique piece.
- Sustainability Status
- Sustainable. Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available with FSC certification.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels/cooperage, interior trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well. Pre-boring is recommended for nails and screws to prevent splitting. High tannin content can react with iron fasteners to cause blue/black staining.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil, Danish oil) highlight the ray fleck figure beautifully. Polyurethane or lacquer provide durable protection. Reactive stains like iron acetate can be used for 'ebonizing' due to tannin content.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'whiskey' or 'vanilla' scent when worked. Contains high levels of tannins. High density and weight. Pores are clogged with tyloses, making it waterproof.
