White Oak (Alternative: Sugar Maple or European 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 pore structures.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with visible medullary rays, prominent pore structures, and faint flecking suggestive of quarter-sawn or rift-sawn cutting.
Color & Appearance
Pale light brown to tan natural heartwood/sapwood tones with low to moderate luster; darkens slightly to an amber-gold hue with age and UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and moisture due to tyloses blocking pore structures.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern processing (under 10 years), showing clean, light wood tones with slight surface handling marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List), non-CITES listed, widely available FSC certified, highly sustainable domestic hardwood.
Common Uses
Flooring, cabinetry, fine furniture, barrels/cooperage, architectural millwork, cutting boards, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good workability with sharp machine and hand tools; high density requires pre-drilling for screws; glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts polyurethane, wiping oil, lacquer, or hardwax oil exceptionally well; sealers recommended if using water-based finishes to prevent tannin bleed.
Notable Features
Contains high tannin content which can react with iron tools/fasteners causing dark blue-black staining; closed cellular structure (tyloses) makes it water-impermeable.
