White Oak (alternative: Red Oak or Hickory)
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable; highly resistant to decay and rot due to tyloses blocking the vessel pores, moderate insect resistance
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Grain Pattern
Coarse texture with straight grain and prominent vertical ray flecks and large earlywood vessels visible as long dark lines along the face
Color & Appearance
Pale straw-yellow to tan heartwood with grayish tones; sapwood is slightly lighter cream-colored. Shows surface dirt, weathering, and gray oxidation
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable; highly resistant to decay and rot due to tyloses blocking the vessel pores, moderate insect resistance
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $10.00 per board foot (surfaced/graded); lower value for rough-sawn pallet or utility lumber
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern air-dried or rough-sawn lumber sample, likely 1 to 5 years old based on fresh splinters alongside surface dirt and checking
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Least Concern, widely available, not CITES listed, certified FSC sources abundant
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, barrel cooperage, boat building, heavy construction, and pallet manufacturing
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Fair to good with hand and machine tools; hard density can dull cutters, high tannic acid content can cause blue/black staining when in contact with iron in wet conditions
Finish Recommendations
Wipes well with oil-based stains and finishes; polyurethane, lacquer, or hardwax oil recommended after thorough sanding to remove surface dirt and mill marks
Notable Features
High tannin content, distinct vessel lines on face grain, heavy weight, and excellent strength-to-weight ratio
