White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Mainly straight with a coarse, uneven texture. Typical of flat-sawn cuts, showing some open pores and slight cathedral tendency. Ray flecks would be visible if quarter-sawn.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is light white to light brown and not always sharply demarcated. Heartwood darkens slightly with age and exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood which plug the pores. Highly resistant to liquids and insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Canada
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (likely 0-5 years from harvest/milling), showing fresh mechanical milling marks on the edges and no significant patina or oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably managed in North America. Not listed on CITES appendices. FSC certification commonly available.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Fairly high shrinkage rate necessitates careful drying. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) when wet due to high tannin content. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'whiskey barrel' scent when worked. High tannin content. Contains tyloses, making it waterproof and suitable for tight cooperage. Can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to most finishes. Water-based polyurethanes help maintain a light color; oil-based finishes will enhance the olive/amber tones. Exceptional for ceruse (pickled) finishes due to open grain.
Identification Confidence
High. The large, open pores, light brown color with characteristic olive undertones, and the splintering pattern on the milled edge are classic indicators of Quercus alba.