White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse texture with straight grain; features prominent medullary rays and cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces. Ring-porous structure is visible.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast; heartwood is darker than the thin, nearly white sapwood. Visible amber patina due to finishing and age.
Hardness Rating
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores; resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut.
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 20-40 years, based on the hardware style and the depth of the amber oxidation in the finish.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably managed; FSC certified sources common.
Workability
Generally good with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending and glues/finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive oak scent when worked; high tannin content can cause dark stains if in contact with iron and moisture. High density and strength.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for protection; accepts stains well. Reacts beautifully to fuming with ammonia to darken the wood naturally.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive ring-porous grain, medullary rays visible on the stiles, and the vessel arrangement are characteristic of the Quercus genus, specifically the White Oak group.
Notes
B