White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (Excellent resistance to rot and decay, though this sample shows past insect/borer activity)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a prominent flat-sawn cathedral pattern and notable knot/burl influence near the right side, showing characteristic ring-porous growth rings.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown with grayish-tan undertones and paler sapwood; moderate natural luster with some aging patina and slight graying from exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (Excellent resistance to rot and decay, though this sample shows past insect/borer activity)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and reclaimed character
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 50 to 100+ years old (reclaimed timber indicated by insect holes, seasoning checks, and aging patina)
- Sustainability Status
- Not threatened or CITES listed; generally abundant and widely available, often harvested sustainably
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, coopering (barrels)
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Moderately easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutters due to density; glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron to cause black staining
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and polyurethane exceptionally well; water-based finishes help preserve the natural light color, while oil-based finishes amber the wood and enhance grain contrast
Notable Features
High tannin content providing natural decay resistance; prominent ring-porous structure; visible insect bore holes and seasoning checks giving rustic/reclaimed character
