White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; highly resistant to decay, rot, and moisture due to closed tyloses structure.
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Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn cut exhibiting prominent medullary rays (flecking) perpendicular to the grain, with a straight to slightly coarse texture.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium tan/brown heartwood with pale yellowish undertones; surface shows rough-sawn milling marks and light gray/blue fungal oxidation or mineral staining.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; highly resistant to decay, rot, and moisture due to closed tyloses structure.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $10.00 per board foot (depending on grade, thickness, and figure).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Rough-cut lumber, likely harvested and milled within the last 1 to 5 years showing recent saw marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably harvested across eastern North American forests.
Common Uses
Furniture, fine cabinetry, hardwood flooring, barrel cooperage (wine/whiskey), timber framing, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good workability with machine tools, though high density can dull cutters; gluing and finishing properties are excellent, though pre-drilling for fasteners is recommended.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and clear finishes exceptionally well. Recommended finishes include oil-based polyurethane, wipe-on poly, or penetrating oils like Danish oil to highlight the ray flecks.
Notable Features
Distinctive quarter-sawn ray fleck figure, high tannin content (may react dark blue/black with iron/moisture), closed tyloses rendering it waterproof.
