White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, uneven texture with straight grain. Visible large pores and prominent rays. Flat-sawn cathedral patterns are evident in the broader view, with distinctive medullary rays typical of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with a slight olive cast. Sapwood is light tan to nearly white. This sample shows a warm amber patina consistent with light exposure and aging.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood which plug the vessels making it nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and veneers.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot (select grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 10-30 years based on the depth of the oxidation and the surface finish wear, likely from a mid-to-late 20th-century furniture piece or flooring.
Sustainability Status
Extensively available and not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally regarded as sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability is a factor. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) if wet. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'tannic' scent when worked. High tannin content makes it suitable for fuming with ammonia to darken the wood. Excellent steam-bending capabilities.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and lacquer. High tannin levels can cause blotching with some water-based stains; a sealer or shellac wash-coat is recommended before staining.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent large pores (ring-porous structure) and the specific tan-olive coloration are classic hallmarks of White Oak, distinguishing it from the pinker hues of Red Oak.