White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight, coarse grain with a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn appearance. Visible medullary rays (flakes) are present but subtle in this specific cut.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter than the heartwood. It tends to darken slightly and become more amber-golden over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the pores, making it more water-resistant than Red Oak.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and widening/length requirements.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing; likely less than 10 years old based on the clean surfacing and lack of significant oxidation or heavy patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Works well with both hand and machine tools. It has a moderate blunting effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can react with iron-based fasteners to create blue/black staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'oaky' scent when being worked. High tannin content. Contains tyloses which block the vascular tubes, making it nearly liquid-impermeable.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability; oil-based finishes (like Tung or Linseed oil) to bring out the depth of the grain. Water-based finishes help maintain the natural 'wheat' color without yellowing.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive large, open pores arranged in the earlywood, the color tone with olive undertones, and the visible ray flecking are textbook characteristics of White Oak.