White Oak — Quercus alba

White Oak

Quercus alba · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern and Central North America.
Hardness
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability
Very Durable with excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular tyloses.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Straight grain with a prominent cathedral pattern on flat-sawn surfaces and visible ray fleck on quarter-sawn boards.

Color & Appearance

Light to medium brown heartwood with a paler sapwood, darkening slightly to a rich amber patina with age and UV exposure.

Hardness (Janka)

1360 lbf (Hard)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Very Durable with excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular tyloses.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot for standard domestic lumber grades.

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Estimated at 10 to 20 years based on branch size and bark development.

Common Uses

Fine furniture, cabinetry, hardwood flooring, boat building, and tight cooperage for barrels.

Geographic Origin

Eastern and Central North America.

Workability

Accepts screws and nails well, though pre-boring is recommended; planes and glues reliably with moderate tool dulling.

Finish Recommendations

Accepts oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and stains uniformly with minimal preparatory sanding.

Notable Features

Contains dense tyloses in the pores that make the heartwood naturally impermeable to liquids.

Learn more about White Oak in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified October 25, 2026