White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack due to closed cellular structure (tyloses)
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with distinct rays visible due to quartering or shaping; features a prominent tiger stripe or ribbon figure (characteristic of ray fleck)
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a lighter sapwood, moderate natural luster, and will warm to a slightly deeper amber tone over time with light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack due to closed cellular structure (tyloses)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot for standard lumber, higher for figured or quarter-sawn stock
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly worked or recently shaped piece, likely less than a few weeks to months old since being cut and sanded
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably harvested in North America
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrels), and tool handles
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to high density and silica content. Responds well to steam bending, glues and finishes satisfactorily, but prone to splitting when nailing or screwing so pre-drilling is recommended
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, oils, and varnishes well. Water-based or oil-based polyurethane, Danish oil, or conversion varnishes provide excellent protection and highlight the grain and ray fleck
Notable Features
High tannin content which can react with iron to cause dark staining; features prominent medullary rays that create striking ray fleck when quarter-sawn
