White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a prominent quarter-sawn ray fleck pattern visible on the surface.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a slightly grayish cast, and paler sapwood. Exhibits moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot depending on grade
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern to recent stock (under 10 years)
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely abundant and sustainably harvested with FSC certification widely available.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, exterior construction, and cooperage (barrels).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to its density. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and varnishes exceptionally well. Water-based finishes can sometimes raise the grain slightly.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses in the heartwood which plug the pores and make it naturally water-resistant, historically making it ideal for liquid-tight containers.
