White Oak (Quarter-sawn)
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn with prominent medullary rays creating a distinctive 'flake' or 'tiger stripe' figure
Color & Appearance
Medium to light brown heartwood with a grayish cast, narrow sapwood, moderate natural luster, darkens slightly to a rich golden amber with age and UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot for select quarter-sawn lumber
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20 to 50 years based on the stable patina and factory finish of the bookshelf unit
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, widely available, not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available with FSC certification
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, quarter-sawn flooring, boat building, mission-style furniture, exterior applications due to closed cellular structure
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has moderate to high blunting effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron (causing black stains) in the presence of moisture due to high tannin content
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and lacquers exceptionally well; water-based finishes help preserve the lighter natural color, while oil-based finishes amber the wood gracefully
Notable Features
Contains tyloses that clog pores and make the wood water-resistant, high tannin content, distinctive medullary ray flecks when quarter-sawn
