White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a characteristic cathedral pattern visible in the flat-sawn section; features prominent medullary rays and a porous texture.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is nearly white to light brown. The wood tends to darken slightly and develop a golden patina with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent 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 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently surfaced; the light color and fuzzy grain surface indicate recent mechanical processing with minimal oxidation or weathering.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally good with machine and hand tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Can be challenging to glue if surfaces are not properly prepared; reacts with iron-based fasteners to cause blue/black staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked; contains high tannin levels; ring-porous structure; tyloses make the wood nearly waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though large pores may require a grain filler for a smooth glass-like finish. Penetrating oils, polyurethane, and lacquer are all highly effective.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible large grain pores, tan-colored heartwood with olive undertones, and the specific 'fuzzy' grain lifting are hallmark characteristics of North American White Oak.