White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (Excellent resistance to decay, rot, and weathering due to closed cellular structure with tyloses)
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with visible ray fleck (quarter-sawn or rift-sawn appearance showing prominent medullary rays)
Color & Appearance
Medium to dark golden brown with warm undertones; heartwood is typically light to dark brown while sapwood is lighter; shows a moderate natural luster with age and patination.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (Excellent resistance to decay, rot, and weathering due to closed cellular structure with tyloses)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawn figure
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be 50 to 100+ years old based on the surface wear, patination, oxidized coloration, and traditional rounded-head fastener present.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List; widely available as a sustainably managed domestic hardwood with FSC certification options.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, mission-style furniture, barrels, and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has high density which causes moderate blade dulling; glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including oils, polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac; wipe-on oil finishes or varnishes enhance the prominent grain and ray fleck.
Notable Features
Contains natural tyloses which make the wood water-resistant; high tannin content reacts strongly with iron to cause staining; distinct and attractive ray fleck patterns when quarter-sawn.
