White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable, with good resistance to rot and insects due to closed cellular structure (tyloses).
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a prominent flat-sawn and plain-sliced cathedral pattern, featuring manufactured hand-scraped and distressed distressing marks.
Color & Appearance
Medium golden brown to light tan with darker mineral streaks and amber tones, displaying a warm luster and enhanced by a stained finish.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable, with good resistance to rot and insects due to closed cellular structure (tyloses).
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per square foot for finished flooring material.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern manufactured flooring (estimated 5 to 15 years since installation, deliberately styled with antique distressing).
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, widely available, not CITES listed, and often certified by the FSC.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boat building, and exterior applications.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to high density; takes screws, nails, and glues well.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, UV-cured factory finishes, or hardwax oils.
Notable Features
High tannin content which can react with iron-based fasteners to cause dark staining; closed cellular structure makes it water-resistant.
