White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (due to closed cellular structure with tyloses, offering excellent rot and decay resistance)
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a prominent cathedral pattern on the flat-sawn face, featuring distinct growth rings and visible wide medullary rays characteristic of oak.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive or yellowish cast, while the sapwood is a distinct lighter yellowish-white to pale brown. The surface shows a wet or freshly finished sheen with moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (due to closed cellular structure with tyloses, offering excellent rot and decay resistance)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on width, thickness, and grade.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled live-edge slab, estimated less than 1 to 5 years since harvesting, with fresh bark intact.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern status, widely abundant, sustainably harvested with good FSC availability.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrel making), and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to its density. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron (causes dark staining if left in contact with moisture).
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and lacquers exceptionally well. Water-based or oil-based polyurethane provides durable protection for furniture and flooring.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it water-resistant. High tannin content, which reacts with iron to form black/blue stains.
