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 face, with visible large rays and characteristic tyloses in the pores.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light off-white to light brown. Finishes to a warm honey-gold with age; resists darkening more than Red Oak.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses that plug the vascular system, making it nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot (depending on width and grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern rough-cut lumber, likely seasoned for 1-2 years based on surface oxidation and tool marks.
Sustainability Status
Abundant and sustainable; not CITES listed; widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate so dimensional stability can be an issue. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) when wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause corrosion in steel fasteners. Open-pored but closed by tyloses.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Best with penetrating oils to highlight grain, or polyurethane for high-traffic surfaces like flooring.
Identification Confidence
High; the presence of visible large medullary rays, the straw-colored olive cast, and the distinct ring-porous structure are classic indicators of Quercus alba.