White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse, and open-grained with prominent medullary rays (visible in quarter-sawn sections). The end-grain shows distinct growth rings with large earlywood pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light tan or off-white. The wood tends to darken slightly and become more amber with age and sunlight exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Janka); classified as Hard
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in heartwood pores, making it water-resistant.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and heavy outdoor construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 to $9.00 per board foot for standard 4/4 select grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears relatively fresh or recently milled, likely less than 5 years old based on the light, non-oxidized color and absence of significant surface patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Generally works well with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate and can be prone to checking. Pre-boring is recommended for fasteners. It glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when freshly cut. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining if it comes into contact with iron in wet conditions. Closed pores (tyloses) make it liquid-tight.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or lacquer are common for durability, though penetrating oils highlight the grain beautifully. Use a sanding sealer to manage the open grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the light brownish-olive color, prominent earlywood pores on the end grain, and coarse texture is highly characteristic of North American White Oak.