White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structure.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture, featuring rough-sawn surfaces and characteristic prominent growth rings.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with paler sapwood, displaying dark weathering and moisture staining in the center.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to rot and fungal decay due to closed cellular structure.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot depending on grade
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20 to 50 years old, evidenced by rough-sawn aging, oxidation, and surface weathering.
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists, widely available with good FSC certification options.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, and barrel making.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally good with hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutters and requires pre-boring for screws due to hardness.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and polyurethane finishes well, though water-based finishes should be tested to prevent tannin pull.
Notable Features
High tannin content which can react with iron to cause dark stains, closed cellular structure (tylosides) making it waterproof.
