White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a flat-sawn "cathedral" pattern visible. Notable ring-porous texture and medium-to-large pores arranged in distinct rows.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is light white to light brown. The wood is known to undergo moderate color shifts over time, becoming slightly amber or darker when exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the pores, which makes the wood nearly liquid-impermeable.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 – $10.00 per board foot (depending on grade and local market availability).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern. Based on the clean surface, lack of deep oxidation (patina), and modern milling characteristics, this sample appears to be less than 20-30 years old.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally considered very sustainable, widely available with FSC certification option.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, which can cause dimensional instability if not dried properly. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) when wet due to high tannin content.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when freshly cut. Contains tyloses which plug the vessels, making it ideal for liquid-tight applications like wine barrels.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are recommended to highlight the grain. Avoid water-based finishes without a sealer to prevent tannin pull/staining.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of strong cathedral grain, ring-porous structure, and characteristic wheat-to-olive brown color is classic for North American White Oak.