White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable. Very good resistance to decay and rot due to tyloses blocking pores, making it waterproof and resistant to moisture-related degradation.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture, featuring a plain-sawn and mixed cathedral pattern visible on the surface.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a grayish or yellowish cast, and a lighter pale yellowish-white sapwood. Luster is medium. Darkens slightly to a rich amber over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable. Very good resistance to decay and rot due to tyloses blocking pores, making it waterproof and resistant to moisture-related degradation.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 9.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20-50 years old based on surface wear, mild oxidation, and minor checking.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Red List of Threatened Species lists it as Least Concern. Readily available and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, cooperage (barrels), and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutters due to silica content. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but reacts with iron (causes dark staining in the presence of moisture).
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and lacquers exceptionally well. Water-based finishes prevent excessive yellowing if a lighter natural look is desired.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it impermeable to water, high tannin content making it reactive to iron, and possesses a characteristic pleasant scent when freshly cut.
