White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with distinct ring-porous structure and prominent medullary rays visible on the end grain.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a distinct paler sapwood. Exposes a weathered gray patina on the exterior log ends due to light and moisture exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 7.00 USD per board foot (lumber grade dependent)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut to recently felled log (approximately 40 to 60 years old based on visible ring count density).
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List, widely available and sustainably harvested in North America).
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, and barrel making (cooperage).
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutters due to density; glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron fasteners.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, varnish, or hardening oils; water-based finishes may cause slight grain raising, and iron-based fasteners should be avoided to prevent tannin staining.
Notable Features
High tannin content providing natural resistance to decay and insects; closed cellular structure makes it water-resistant (traditionally used for liquid-holding casks).
