White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight with a coarse, uneven texture. Distinctive large rays and cathedral patterns visible due to flat-sawing orientation in certain sections of the plate edge.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter. Tends to darken and become more golden-brown with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to high tannin content and presence of tyloses in pores.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and kitchenware like plates or bowls.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern manufacture (under 10 years). The surface shows minimal oxidation and crisp machining marks, suggesting recent production.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam-bending and glues/finishes effectively.
Notable Features
Features tyloses which plugged heartwood pores, making it waterproof (unlike Red Oak). High tannin content can react with iron to cause black staining.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax if used for serving food; polyurethane or lacquer for decorative use.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent medullary rays, ring-porous structure, and specific olive-brown hue are definitive characteristics of Quercus alba.