White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, highly resistant to rot and insect attack due to tyloses blocking pores
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a prominent cathedral pattern on the flat-sawn face and noticeable ray fleck characteristics
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish cast, distinct paler sapwood, moderate natural luster, darkens slightly to a rich amber over time with UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, highly resistant to rot and insect attack due to tyloses blocking pores
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Kiln-dried lumber of recent manufacture (freshly sawn surface with visible mill marks)
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed in North America
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrels)
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to high density; glues, stains, and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and lacquer exceptionally well; water-based finishes can sometimes raise the grain
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the heartwood making it water-resistant; high tannin content which can react with iron to cause staining
