White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern on the larger piece and rift/quarter-sawn characteristics on the smaller panel with some visible ray flecks.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown and is not always sharply demarcated from heartwood. Color darkens slightly with age to a more golden amber.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores that make the wood water-resistant. Good resistance to insects.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), millwork, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $7.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and widening.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled or sanded (1-2 years); the wood appears fresh with light oxidation and minimal patina, consistent with active woodworking shop pieces.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable and FSC certified.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a moderately high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Pre-boring for screws is recommended. High tannin content can react with iron-based fasteners (causing staining).
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. Open-pored but sealed by tyloses. High tannin content and excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane to preserve color, or oil-based finishes to enhance the grain depth. Gel stains are recommended for even coloring on large surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible large pores, characteristic grain structure, light olive/tan color, and end-grain texture are diagnostic of the Quercus genus, specifically the white oak group.