White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. This sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with characteristic large, open pores and visible medullary rays.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter off-white to light brown. Darkens slightly with age to a more amber tone with low luster in its raw state.
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 the wood nearly liquid-impermeable.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building (tight cooperage), barrels, and general construction where durability is required.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $9.00 per board foot (depending on grade and local market)
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/freshly milled. The surface shows modern rough-sawn mechanical marks with minimal oxidation, suggesting it was milled within the last 1-3 years.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally good with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Pre-boring for screws is recommended due to its hardness.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked; high tannin content can cause dark stains if the wood comes into contact with iron/steel in wet conditions.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oils are common. Note that water-based finishes may cause 'tannin pull' (darkening) without a sealer.
Identification Confidence
High; the open grain structure, characteristic tannic coloration, and presence of medullary rays are definitive markers for the White Oak group.