White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, highly resistant to rot and insect attack due to tyloses in the pores
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent ray fleck visible from quarter-sawn processing
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a lighter sapwood, moderate natural luster, darkens slightly to an amber tone over time
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, highly resistant to rot and insect attack due to tyloses in the pores
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 5.00 to 10.00 USD per board foot depending on grade
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated modern kiln-dried lumber, less than 10 years old
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutters; glues, stains, and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and varnishes exceptionally well; shellac and polyurethane provide excellent results
Notable Features
Closed cellular structure due to tyloses making it water-resistant; high tannin content which can react with iron
