White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and moisture due to tyloses blocking vessel pores, making it exceptionally resistant to liquid penetration.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly coarse end-grain with distinct, long medullary rays perpendicular to the growth rings, typical of quarter-sawn or rift-sawn oak anatomy.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown with olive-cast tones in the heartwood; light cream-colored sapwood accents. Tends to amber slightly over time with age and exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and moisture due to tyloses blocking vessel pores, making it exceptionally resistant to liquid penetration.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $12.00 per board foot (depending on grade, thickness, and regional availability).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern rough-sawn lumber (1-10 years post-harvest), showing fresh saw kerfs, surface checking, and mill markings.
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Least Concern; non-CITES listed. Widely available from sustainably managed forests with FSC certification options.
Common Uses
Flooring, fine furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, wine and whiskey barrels (cooperage), trim, and outdoor construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good workability with hand and power tools, though high density can dull cutters. Glues, screws, and holds nails well, but pre-drilling is recommended to prevent splitting.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to stains, oil-based polyurethanes, film finishes, and hardwax oils. Fuming with ammonia can yield deep, rich dark brown tones due to high tannin content.
Notable Features
High tannin content which reacts with iron to form dark blue/black stains. Distinctive pore structures filled with tyloses. Slight sweet aroma when freshly cut or worked.
