White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent quarter-sawn ray fleck (medullary rays)
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive or yellowish cast, and paler sapwood; moderate natural luster
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and cut
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled or fresh lumber sample, likely less than 5 years old
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainably managed
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, and cooperage
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has high density and can burn during routing if feed rates are too slow; reacts with iron to cause dark stains
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil, varnish, lacquer, and polyurethane exceptionally well; water-based finishes may slightly raise the grain
Notable Features
High tannin content providing natural decay resistance, closed cellular structure (tyloses) making it waterproof, and distinct ray fleck figure when quarter-sawn
