White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight, coarse grain with a flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible on the face. Large, open pores with visible medullary rays typical of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter off-white to light brown. Finishes to a warm honey-gold and darkens slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent decay resistance; heartwood is rot-resistant and frequently used for boatbuilding and outdoor applications due to tyloses in the pores.
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 (select grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern rough-sawn lumber, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years based on the lack of deep oxidation and the presence of fresh circular saw marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Requires sharp cutters to avoid burning and pre-boring for screws.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause dark staining when in contact with iron and moisture. Large rays are prominent on quarter-sawn surfaces.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are recommended to highlight the grain. Note that the large pores may require a grain filler for a smooth glass-like finish.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible pore structure, color tone, and specific saw mark patterns are classic indicators of North American White Oak in a rough-sawn state.