White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to decay and rot due to tyloses in the pores, making it more rot-resistant than Red Oak.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large pore structure. Visible medullary rays and some rift-sawn and flat-sawn cathedral patterns visible on the surface.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is slightly lighter. This sample shows deep amber oxidation and high luster suggestive of an oil or wax finish. Tends to darken and become more golden-brown with age.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to decay and rot due to tyloses in the pores, making it more rot-resistant than Red Oak.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and thickness.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Based on the depth of the patina and slight checks in the grain, the timber appears to be 20-50 years old, likely part of a mature architectural installation.
- Sustainability Status
- Sustainable; not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List. Widely available with FSC certification.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and heavy timber framing.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent results with machine and hand tools. Glues and finishes well, although it has a high shrinkage rate and can react with iron fasteners to cause blue/black staining.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, oil-based varnishes, or hardwax oils are recommended to highlight the grain. Shellac is also effective as a sealer.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'oaky' scent when worked. Contains high levels of tannins. Tyloses in heartwood pores make the wood nearly waterproof.
