White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large texture. This sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern on the left transitioning to straighter rift-sawn characteristic on the right.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast; sapwood is white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden tone with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-contact applications.
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 - $9.00 per board foot (subject to grade and region)
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled/fresh lumber; lacks the deep patina, oxidation, or surface wear associated with reclaimed or antique wood.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools; however, it has a high shrinkage rate and can react with iron (staining) when wet.
Notable Features
Characteristic 'oak' scent when worked; high tannin content; contains tyloses which make the wood liquid-tight.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well; polyurethane, oil-based finishes, or reactive stains (ebonizing) are highly effective.
Identification Confidence
High; the open-pored ring-porous structure, color range, and distinct grain rays are definitive for the Quercus genus, specifically the White Oak group.