White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1,350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture, showing prominent growth rings and characteristic visible medullary rays (flakes) typical of quarter-sawn or rift-sawn lumber.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood, sometimes with a grayish or slightly yellowish cast; sapwood is significantly lighter, nearly white to cream. Luster is medium and it tends to darken slightly to a warm amber with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled to contemporary lumber (less than 5 years old), unfinished with fresh surface characteristics.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List), widely available from sustainably managed forests with FSC certification options.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, architectural millwork, boat building, and tight cooperage (barrels for aging wine and whiskey 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 dark stains) due to high tannin content.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, water-based and oil-based polyurethanes, varnishes, and lacquers exceptionally well. Pre-finishing sanding to 150 or 180 grit is recommended.
Notable Features
High tannin content provides natural resistance to rot and decay. Contains tyloses in the heartwood vessels which make it water-resistant and impervious to liquids.
