White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,350 lbf - Hard
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to decay, rot, and moderate resistance to insect attack due to tyloses in the pores.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with coarse, open texture and prominent ray flecks characteristic of quarter-sawn or rift-sawn extraction.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish cast, narrow paler sapwood, moderate natural luster, and dark mineral streaks present.
Hardness (Janka)
1,350 lbf - Hard
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to decay, rot, and moderate resistance to insect attack due to tyloses in the pores.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawn figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately aged, likely between 10 to 30 years based on surface oxidation and mild patina development.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern. Readily available through sustainable forestry initiatives and certified sources like FSC.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, heavy-duty flooring, architectural millwork, cabinetry, boat building, and tight cooperage (barrels).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it has a moderate blunting effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron to form dark stains.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including oils, varnishes, lacquers, and polyurethane. Water-based finishes may slightly raise grain.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses which plug the pores making it water-resistant, high tannin content which reacts chemically with iron and steel.
