White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight with medium to coarse texture; visible large pores characteristic of a ring-porous wood and presence of medullary rays.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light white to light brown. This sample shows significant ambering from an aged finish.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, frequently used in boatbuilding due to its closed tyloses in pores.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut (Quarter-sawn is more expensive).
Wood Age Estimate
30-60 years based on the heavy amber oxidation of the topcoat, surface scratches, and typical mid-century furniture wear patterns.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Has a high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability can be an issue if not properly dried.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when worked; high tannin content can cause dark stains if it comes into contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability. Oil-based finishes will enhance the 'cathedral' or ray fleck patterns.
Identification Confidence
High; the large open pores visible in the longitudinal grain combined with the color and ray fleck patterns are primary indicators of the Quercus genus.