White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn/Rift-sawn with prominent medullary rays (flake pattern visible)
Color & Appearance
Medium to light brown heartwood with an olive or grayish cast, distinct pale sapwood, darkening gracefully with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20-50 years based on surface oxidation and patina
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN least concern, widely available as FSC certified
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, outdoor structures, barrel making
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutters; responds well to steam bending and glues well
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, oils, varnishes, and polyurethanes very well; reactive with iron due to tannins
Notable Features
High tannin content, resistant to moisture and rot due to closed cellular structure (tyloses), distinct ray fleck when quarter-sawn
