Quarter Sawn White Oak Wood Guide 2026
Quercus alba
Typically described as premium stable oak with ray fleck
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 26 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States
- Common uses include Flooring, Cabinetry, Classic millwork
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: The texture is medium to coarse.
Workability: It is hard but works well with sharp tools.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: It stains evenly and displays distinctive medullary rays.
Color change: It stays relatively color-stable over time.
Insect resistance: It is resistant to decay due to tyloses in the pores.
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Quarter Sawn White Oak. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths are standard. | Random lengths are common. | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths are standard. | Random lengths are common. | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths are standard. | Random lengths are common. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths are standard. | Random lengths are common. | Request this size |
| 10/4 | 2-1/2" | 2-1/4" | Random widths are standard. | Random lengths are common. | Request this size |
| 12/4 | 3" | 2-3/4" | Random widths are standard. | Random lengths are common. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths are standard.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are common.
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths are standard.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are common.
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths are standard.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are common.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths are standard.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are common.
- 10/4rough 2-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 2-1/4"
- Widths
- Random widths are standard.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are common.
- 12/4rough 3"
- Surfaced
- 2-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths are standard.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are common.
Availability notes: It is widely available as a premier domestic hardwood.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Light to medium brown
Grain: Straight with tiger rays
Common Uses
- Flooring
- Cabinetry
- Classic millwork
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Quarter Sawn White Oak;Tiger Oak
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 1,360 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Durable
- Sourced from United States
Considerations
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Quarter Sawn White Oak is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
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