White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; high resistance to heartwood rot and moisture decay due to tyloses blocking pore structures
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Grain Pattern
Straight and coarse, with elongated open pores, prominent earlywood-latewood pore rings, and visible medullary ray flecks typical of a quarter-sawn or rift-sawn cut
Color & Appearance
Light to medium tan-brown with subtle grayish undertones; heartwood displays cool pale brown colors, while light exposure and aging gradually shift un-finished oak towards darker golden amber
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; high resistance to heartwood rot and moisture decay due to tyloses blocking pore structures
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot (depending on grade, thickness, and regional supply)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated at 20-50+ years based on surface oxidation, checking, and weathered patina on rough-sawn lumber
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List); abundant and widely managed in sustainable forestry programs across North America; CITES unrestricted
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior flooring, barrel making (cooperage), boat building, millwork, and heavy construction timber
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good overall workability with both hand and machine tools; steam-bends exceptionally well, glued and stained nicely, though pre-drilling is recommended for fasteners to prevent splitting
Finish Recommendations
Wipes cleanly with oil-based stains, film finishes like polyurethane or lacquer, or hardwax oils; a pore filler can be applied first if an ultra-smooth finish is desired
Notable Features
High tannin content which can react with iron and moisture to produce dark blue-black stains; distinctive mild odor when freshly cut; ring-porous structure containing abundant tyloses
