White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack due to tyloses blocking the pores.
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Grain Pattern
Ring-porous, straight grain with prominent growth rings visible on the end grain and traditional cathedral pattern on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is a lighter, whitish-brown color. Luster is medium and it darkens slightly with age.
Hardness (Janka)
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack due to tyloses blocking the pores.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 8.00 USD per board foot for standard lumber grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated between 50 to 80 years based on the ring count visible on the end grain log section.
- Sustainability Status
- Species of least concern, widely abundant, not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red list.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, exterior construction, boat building, and tight cooperage (barrels).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and polyurethanes exceptionally well. Water-based finishes may occasionally react with tannins, so a seal coat is sometimes recommended.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the heartwood which makes it impervious to liquid water penetration, making it ideal for outdoor use and boat building. High tannin content.
