White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America.
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; exceptional resistance to decay and moisture rot due to pore-plugging tyloses, with good resistance to wood-boring insects.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly curved growth rings in cross-section with broad earlywood pore bands and prominent, continuous radial rays intersecting growth ring boundaries.
Color & Appearance
Light brown to medium tannish-brown heartwood with pale grayish-yellow sapwood areas; acquires a richer golden amber-brown patina with oxidation and age.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to decay and moisture rot due to pore-plugging tyloses, with good resistance to wood-boring insects.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade, thickness, and regional market conditions.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Rough-sawn lumber cut recently from a mature tree (estimated 80-120 year old tree based on tight ring spacing).
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Red List status of Least Concern; widely managed sustainably with abundant availability and FSC certification options.
Common Uses
Furniture, hardwood flooring, cabinetry, barrel cooperage (wine and whiskey), boat building, architectural millwork, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America.
Workability
Good workability with power and hand tools; high density requires sharp carbide tooling to prevent burning; glues, screws, and finishes exceptionally well.
Finish Recommendations
Pre-sanding is required to clean rough-sawn surfaces. Accepts stains, oils, shellac, varnish, and polyurethane extremely well; pre-pore filling can be used for smooth high-gloss finishes.
Notable Features
Contains abundant tyloses that seal vessel elements making it impervious to water; high tannin content which turns dark blue/black when reacting with iron and water.
