White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (due to closed cellular structure and tyloses in the heartwood, providing excellent rot and decay resistance)
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a prominent open texture, featuring a mix of plain-sawn cathedral patterns on the center panel and quarter-sawn/rift-sawn vertical grain on the surrounding frame components.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive or grayish cast. Sapwood is lighter, nearly white to cream, with moderate natural luster and minimal color variation across the assembled panel.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (due to closed cellular structure and tyloses in the heartwood, providing excellent rot and decay resistance)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot for standard domestic lumber, varying by grade.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 10 to 30 years old, based on modern cabinet construction styling and minimal oxidation or patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not considered threatened by the IUCN. Widely available and commonly certified through forestry programs like the FSC.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, fine furniture, flooring, boat building, cooperage (barrels), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to silica content. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron fasteners to cause blue-black stains.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and lacquers exceptionally well. A water-based polyurethane or conversion varnish is commonly used for cabinetry to maintain the natural color without excessive yellowing.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses (membranes that plug the pores), making the wood water-resistant. High tannin content, which reacts chemically with iron and steel.
