White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, with exceptional natural resistance to rot, fungal decay, and insect attack due to closed cellular structure and tyloses.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with noticeable growth rings, showing characteristic ray fleck on quarter-sawn surfaces.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a distinct paler sapwood, exhibiting a moderate natural luster that darkens slightly to a rich amber-brown with age.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, with exceptional natural resistance to rot, fungal decay, and insect attack due to closed cellular structure and tyloses.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and kiln-dry status
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately weathered, likely several decades old based on oxidation and surface checking.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely abundant and sustainable with good forest management practices, not listed on CITES.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, heavy timber framing, boat building, outdoor decking, and cooperage (barrels).
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has high density and can burn during routing if feeds are too slow; pre-boring is recommended for nailing and screwing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and varnishes very well; water-based finishes help preserve the natural light color, while oil-based finishes enhance warmth.
Notable Features
High tannin content which can react with iron to cause black staining; closed cellular structure makes it water-resistant.
