White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn with prominent medullary rays (flakes), straight grain, and coarse texture typical of ring-porous hardwoods.
Color Description
The heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light off-white to cream. It develops a deeper amber patina over time.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; known for excellent rot resistance and high tannin content which helps resist decay and insect attack.
Common Uses
Flooring, cabinetry, furniture, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grain orientation (quarter-sawn commands a premium).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently aged (under 5 years) based on the lack of significant UV darkening and the visible rough-sawn texture.
Sustainability Status
Extremely sustainable; widely available, not CITES listed, and categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Pre-drilling is recommended for fasteners.
Notable Features
Features distinctive large medullary rays when quarter-sawn. It has a characteristic 'whiskey barrel' scent when worked. Sensitive to iron (develops black stains).
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all finishes. Penetrating oils highlight the ray fleck, while polyurethane provides durable protection for flooring.
Identification Confidence
High; the broad, visible medullary rays combined with the tan/olive color and porous ring structure are diagnostic of quarter-sawn White Oak.