White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture. Flat-sawn boards show prominent cathedral patterns, while end-grain displays large pores and visible medullary rays typical of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is near-white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden-amber and darkens slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; rated as having very good resistance to rot and decay, frequently used in boatbuilding and tight cooperage due to tyloses in the pores.
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 - $12.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Rough-sawn lumber, likely air-dried or kiln-dried within the last 1-3 years based on the lack of deep oxidation or graying on the face grain.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage values, so dimensional stability can be an issue. Can react with iron fasteners (causing blue/black staining) when wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic odor when being worked. Large medullary rays produce dramatic 'flake' or 'fleck' patterns when quarter-sawn. High tannin content makes it suitable for fuming with ammonia.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Penatrating oils, polyurethane, and lacquer are common. Special care should be taken to avoid iron contamination if using water-based finishes.
Identification Confidence
High; the ring-porous structure, large medullary rays visible on the end grain, and the specific 'wheat' color and cathedral grain profile are classic diagnostic features of White Oak.