White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1,350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to closed cellular structure (tyloses), making it traditionally used for boat building and exterior applications.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a medium to coarse coarse texture, frequently showing a prominent cathedral pattern when flat-sawn or distinctive ray fleck when quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is a lighter white to cream color, sharply demarcated from the heartwood. Darkens slightly to a rich amber with age and exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to closed cellular structure (tyloses), making it traditionally used for boat building and exterior applications.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawn figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be a recently fallen log (under 1-2 years based on intact bark structure, moss growth, and surface weathering).
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern. Widely abundant and sustainably managed in North American forests with FSC certification readily available.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, architectural millwork, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, tight cooperage for barrels.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high tendency to split when nailed and reacts with iron (staining black in the presence of moisture). Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including oils, varnishes, lacquers, and polyurethane. Water-based finishes may slightly raise grain; wipe-on oil finishes highlight the natural grain nicely.
Notable Features
High tannin content which provides natural resistance to decay and fungi, but causes corrosive reactions with ferrous metals. Contains tyloses that plug the pores, making the wood waterproof.
