White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores; commonly used for boat building and tight cooperage.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible toward the top and a prominent knot with surrounding swirl figure.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is light to medium brown, often with an olive cast; sapwood is light off-white to cream. It develops a deeper amber patina over time.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores; commonly used for boat building and tight cooperage.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $9.00 per board foot for select grade
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern rough-sawn lumber, likely within 1-3 years of harvesting based on the lack of deep oxidation and the presence of fresh milling marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Works well with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Reacts with iron fasteners to cause blue/black staining.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are recommended to highlight the grain. Avoid water-based finishes without a sealer to prevent tannin pull.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when seasoned; high tannin content; ring-porous structure with large earlywood pores containing tyloses.
