White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable. Excellent resistance to decay and moisture due to closed cellular structure (tyloses).
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a characteristic prominent growth ring pattern and distinct medullary rays.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish cast, and paler sapwood. Darkens slightly with age and amber tinting under oil finishes.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable. Excellent resistance to decay and moisture due to closed cellular structure (tyloses).
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawn figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be several decades old based on the patina of the surrounding finished surface and oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not considered threatened by the IUCN. Readily available and sustainable.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, and barrel making.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has moderate blunting effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including polyurethane, lacquer, oils, and varnish. Water-based finishes prevent excessive yellowing.
Notable Features
Contains high tannin content which can react with iron to cause dark blue-black stains. Excellent moisture resistance.
