White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain; characterized by long rays and a distinctive rift-sawn or quarter-sawn appearance showing prominent ray fleck.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown. Tendency to amber over time.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores which make the wood nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels, cooperage, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern Northern America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on width and grain selection (rift/quarter sawn commands a premium).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely processed within the last 1-5 years based on the lack of oxidation and clean mill marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Works well with hand and machine tools. Has moderately high shrinkage, so dimensional stability must be managed. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when worked. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining when in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are common to highlight the depth of the grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible ray fleck, ring-porous structure, and specific olive-tan color are diagnostic for the White Oak group.