White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Features strong cathedral patterns in flat-sawn areas and prominent medullary rays (ray fleck) when quarter-sawn.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown and is not always sharply demarcated. Tends to darken slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to decay and rot due to tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-tight applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely kiln-dried and processed within the last 5-10 years based on the lack of deep patina or oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability can be an issue. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) if wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic odor when worked. Contains tyloses, which plug the wood's pores and make it impermeable to liquids.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane, oil-based finishes, and penetrative waxes are all excellent choices. Avoid water-based finishes directly on bare wood to prevent tannin pull.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible large open pores, color with olive undertones, and characteristic cathedral grain pattern are classic diagnostic features of North American White Oak.