White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with large, open pores; visible ray fleck figure typical of quarter-sawn orientation
Color Description
Light to medium brown with a slightly olive cast; sapwood is much lighter. Tends to darken and become more golden with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in its heartwood pores.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrel making (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently cut/processed plug; likely less than 1 year old based on lack of heavy oxidation or wear patterns.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent results with machine and hand tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Gluing, staining, and finishing are generally easy.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when wet; contains high tannin content which can react with iron to cause dark staining.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; oil-based finishes enhance the figure, while water-based finishes preserve the lighter color.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible ray flecks, color, and medium-to-large pore structure are classic indicators of Quercus species, specifically White Oak.