White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a prominent coarse texture and visible growth rings, featuring a flat-sawn appearance.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium grayish-brown coloration with subtle variations, low natural luster, and a weathered or limed gray finish commonly applied to modern flooring.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8 to 15 USD per square foot installed or 4 to 7 USD per board foot for raw lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively new material (0-5 years), processed and installed as modern engineered or finished hardwood flooring.
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, sustainable, not CITES listed, IUCN least concern, widely available with FSC certification options.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boat building, and exterior construction due to its resistance to moisture.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Moderately easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it reacts with iron-based fasteners to cause staining and can be prone to splitting when nailed without pre-boring.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, UV-cured acrylics, or penetrating oils; water-based finishes help preserve the pale or grayish tone without excessive ambering.
Notable Features
High tannin content which provides natural rot resistance; closed cellular structure due to tyloses making it impermeable to water.
