White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large texture. This sample exhibits a characteristic rift-sawn appearance with long, vertical medullary ray streaks.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is near-white; heartwood darkens slightly with age to a deep amber. High luster with noticeable chatoyance in ray flecks.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in pores, which make it nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on cut and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Milled and processed within the last 5-10 years; minimal oxidation or surface wear is present.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified.
Workability
Excellent results with machine and hand tools. Glues and finishes well, though pre-boring for screws is recommended due to density.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when freshly worked. High tannin content can react with iron/moisture to produce dark staining.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are ideal to highlight grain. Water-based finishes prevent yellowing.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible open pores, characteristic tan-olive hue, and long medullary ray streaks are definitive markers of White Oak.