White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large texture. The sample shows a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn orientation highlighting vertical, parallel grain lines. It features prominent, large pores typical of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter. The wood exhibits low to moderate luster and will darken slightly to a deeper amber or golden brown with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High tannin content provides excellent resistance to rot and decay. It is widely considered one of the best domestic woods for water resistance due to tyloses in the heartwood pores.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern rough-cut lumber; showing minimal oxidation or deep patina, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine and hand tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability is a factor. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, though its high tannin content can cause a blue/black reaction when in contact with iron and water.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when working. Pores are plugged with tyloses, making the wood liquid-tight and highly rot-resistant compared to Red Oak.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oils (like linseed or tung oil) are recommended to highlight the grain. If fumed with ammonia, the tannins in the wood will darken it to a rich, deep brown.
Identification Confidence
High. The ring-porous structure, characteristic olive-brown color, and coarse texture are classic indicators of North American White Oak.