White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight grain with prominent, long medullary rays. Texture is uneven with large, open pores typical of ring-porous hardwoods.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light off-white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden hue but can gray if left unfinished outdoors.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood pores, making it suitable for water-contact applications.
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 to $10.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample (under 5 years), showing minimal oxidation or UV graying, likely kiln-dried and recently surfaced.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Works well with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Clues and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, slightly acidic scent when being worked; high tannin content can cause blue-black staining when in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability; oil/wax finishes highlight the grain. Requires grain filler if a high-gloss, mirror-smooth finish is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the presence of long medullary rays, large open pores, and the characteristic olive-tan heartwood color are definitive markers for White Oak.