White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with pronounced open-pore ring-porous texture, featuring a flat-sawn cathedral pattern and distinct growth rings.
Color & Appearance
Medium to dark brown with grayish undertones and dark filled pores, showing moderate variation and a low luster matte finish common in automotive trim.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot for lumber, significantly higher when processed as specialized automotive veneer
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated modern processed automotive veneer less than 10 years old
- Sustainability Status
- Species of least concern, widely abundant, not listed on CITES appendices, readily available with FSC certification options
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, exterior construction, and luxury automotive interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good overall workability; responds well to hand and machine tools, though open pores require grain filler for smooth finishes and high tannin content can react with iron.
Finish Recommendations
Satin polyurethane, conversion varnish, or UV-cured clear coats typically used in automotive applications to protect against sunlight and wear.
Notable Features
High tannin content providing natural resistance to decay, distinct ring-porous structure, closed cellular structure in heartwood making it water-resistant.
