White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with noticeable ray fleck and coarse texture, typical of quartersawn or heavily textured face cuts.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with paler sapwood; exhibits weathered, greyish discoloration on the exposed rough surface.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and cut
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 10 to 30 years based on surface oxidation and rough-sawn industrial markings.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern status on the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainably managed in North America.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, and cooperage.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Moderate to difficult due to hardness; can blunt cutting edges quickly, takes screws and glues well, high tannin content may react with iron.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, varnishes, or hardwax oils work well; pre-drilling recommended for mechanical fasteners.
Notable Features
High tannin content providing natural rot resistance, closed cellular structure via tyloses making it water-resistant.
