White Oak (or closely related Red Oak / European Oak)
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable; excellent decay and rot resistance due to tyloses in heartwood pores, highly resistant to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular face grain with prominent circular bandsaw kerf marks; exhibits tight growth rings and ray fleck traits typical of quarter-sawn or rift-sawn oak cuts.
Color & Appearance
Medium light tan to olive-brown heartwood with a slight grayish patina on the rough-sawn surface. Sapwood appears paler beige along the outer edge.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable; excellent decay and rot resistance due to tyloses in heartwood pores, highly resistant to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $10.00 per board foot for rough-sawn 4/4 or 8/4 FAS grade stock.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Rough-sawn lumber, likely air- or kiln-dried within the last 1 to 5 years, displaying surface oxidation and dust from recent storage.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List); non-CITES listed; widely managed and available as FSC-certified sustainable timber.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, hardwood flooring, cabinetry, barrel coopering (wine and whiskey barrels), boat building, architectural millwork, and timber framing.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good workability with both hand and power tools, though high density can cause blade dulling; gluings and screws well, pre-drilling recommended.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and oil finishes very well; film-building finishes like polyurethane, lacquer, or hardwax oils highlight the depth of the grain after planing and sanding.
Notable Features
High tannin content which can react with iron tools/fasteners causing dark blue-black staining; distinctive tannic aroma when freshly cut.
