White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn or plain-sawn cathedral pattern with large, open pores typical of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is near-white to light brown and 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 rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it nearly impervious to liquids.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing; likely less than 5 to 10 years old based on the clean surfacing and lack of deep oxidation or historic patina.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed. FSC certification is common for this species.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Due to high shrinkage, it requires care in drying to avoid checking. High tannin content can react with iron fasteners, causing blue/black staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. Contains tyloses, which plug the vessels and make the wood suitable for liquid-tight containers. Can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though the large open pores may require a grain filler for a glass-smooth surface. Polyurethane, oil-based finishes, and reactive stains (fuming) are popular.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible ray fleck (though small in this cut), distinct cathedral grain, and 'wheat' color are classic indicators of North American White Oak.