White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight grain with large pores; visible ray flecks characteristic of a rift-sawn or quarter-sawn orientation in certain areas.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown. Darkens slightly with age and finishes well with moderate luster.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high rot and decay resistance due to tyloses in the pores which make the wood water-resistant.
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 to $12.00 per board foot depending on cut and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample, likely less than 5-10 years old based on lack of heavy oxidation or patina.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested sustainably throughout its range; FSC certification common.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, though pre-boring is recommended for fasteners.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when wet. High tannin content can cause dark staining when in contact with iron and water. Liquid-tight due to tyloses.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based polyurethane or lacquer to enhance grain. Responds very well to 'fuming' with ammonia to darken the wood naturally.
Identification Confidence
High; the large open pores in the earlywood combined with the light wheat-colored hue and visible ray structure are classic diagnostic features of White Oak.