White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; high decay resistance due to tyloses in pores which make the wood nearly liquid-impermeable. Good resistance to rot and insects.
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Grain Pattern
Straight and coarse with prominent medullary rays and large, open pores. This sample exhibits a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn appearance with vertical grain lines.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter. Tends to darken and become more amber/golden with age and exposure to UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; high decay resistance due to tyloses in pores which make the wood nearly liquid-impermeable. Good resistance to rot and insects.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern surface, likely cut within the last 5-10 years based on the lack of deep oxidation and the mechanical surface marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested sustainably; FSC certification is common.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrel making (cooperage), interior trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools. Glues and finishes well. Can be prone to iron-staining if in contact with steel and moisture due to high tannin content.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oils (tung or linseed), polyurethane, lacquer, and reactive stains (fuming) due to high tannin content. Avoid water-based finishes without a sealer to prevent tannin pull.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut; contains large amounts of tannins; pores are clogged with tyloses making it excellent for tight cooperage.
