White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible on the face; prominent medullary rays are visible in the end grain and as light-colored flecks on the surface.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter. Features low to moderate luster and tends to darken slightly toward a more amber-brown over time.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-contact applications.
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
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (5-10 years); the surface shows minimal oxidation and retains its natural light tan color with clean, machine-cut edges.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. FSC certification widely available.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked; contains high tannin content which can react with iron to create black stains; pores are plugged with tyloses.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane to highlight grain. Responds well to fuming with ammonia to darken the wood.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large, open pores in earlywood, visible medullary rays on the end grain, and the characteristic olive-brown color is diagnostic for the white oak group.