White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a transition between flat-sawn and rift-sawn areas, featuring prominent medullary rays and large, open pores typical of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with a slightly olive cast. Sapwood is narrower and nearly white to light tan. It maintains a medium luster and tends to darken slightly to a more golden-amber hue over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it nearly liquid-impermeable.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent, likely kiln-dried stock within the last 1-5 years, showing minimal oxidation or UV-induced patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a moderately high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Pre-drilling is recommended as it can split during nailing.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining if the wood comes into contact with iron in wet conditions.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are recommended to highlight the grain. Large pores may require grain filler for a glass-smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible open-pore structure, distinct medullary rays, and characteristic light-tan-to-olive color are classic diagnostic features of North American White Oak.