White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Specifically shows prominent, elongated rays or 'flake' and a porous, open-grain cathedral pattern typical of flat-sawn oak.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter, though not always sharply demarcated. Tends to darken and become more amber with age and exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay. Historically used for shipbuilding and barrels because of its closed cellular structure (tyloses).
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber; likely kiln-dried and harvested within the last 5-10 years based on the lack of deep oxidation or historic tool marks.
Sustainability Status
LC (Least Concern) on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification; very sustainable for North American use.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate, but generally glues, stains, and finishes well. Can react with iron (staining) if wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'oak' scent when worked. High tannin content makes it suitable for fuming with ammonia. Presence of tyloses in pores makes the wood liquid-tight.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes highlight the grain best; polyurethane is standard for flooring. Pores may require grain filler for a glass-smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent large rays, coarse texture, and distinct light-tan-to-olive color are classic indicators of Quercus alba.