White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot, decay, and moisture due to tyloses blocking vessel elements. Highly resistant to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight and ring-porous with prominent end-grain growth rings running diagonally in this cross-section. Tyloses are present in the earlywood pores, characteristic of White Oak over Red Oak. Broad medullary rays are clearly visible running perpendicular to growth rings.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium tan-brown heartwood with a slightly olive cast. Sapwood is typically narrow and light tan to off-white. Darkens moderately over time with exposure to light and air. Low to moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot, decay, and moisture due to tyloses blocking vessel elements. Highly resistant to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $10.00 per board foot for Select & Better grade 4/4 lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern sample (recently cut or milled end grain with clean, fresh saw cuts and minimal surface oxidation/patina).
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN). Not CITES listed. Widely available from sustainably managed forests with FSC certification.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, fine furniture, hardwood flooring, boat building, timber framing, wine/whiskey barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Fair to good workability. Responds well to hand and machine tools, though it can cause moderate dulling of cutters. Glues, sands, and finishes exceptionally well. High tannin content can react with iron tools/fasteners causing blue/black staining when wet.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes easily. Oil-based polyurethanes, film finishes, and natural oil finishes (tung, linseed) highlight the ray flecks and wood grain well. Avoid raw iron contact during liquid finishing to prevent dark tannin discoloration.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in earlywood vessels making it waterproof and ideal for liquid storage/tight cooperage. High tannin content gives it a distinct acidic scent when freshly cut. Heavy, strong, and highly decay-resistant.
