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)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with noticeable ray fleck and coarse texture, typical of quarter-sawn or plain-sawn lumber.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with grayish weathering, and paler sapwood. Tends to darken slightly to a rich amber or golden brown under clear finishes.
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
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and cut.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20 to 50 years old based on weathering and surface patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, tight cooperage (barrels).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to high density and silica content. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, varnish, oil finishes, or lacquer all perform well. Pre-finishing tannin-blocking primer recommended if water-based finishes react with extractives.
Notable Features
High tannin content which can react with iron to cause staining, closed cellular structure (tyloses) making it water-resistant.
