White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn orientation showing characteristic long medullary ray flecks. Large, open pores visible on the face grain.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with a distinctive olive/tan cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter. Tends to darken and become more amber-golden with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent decay resistance; heartwood is rot-resistant and was historically preferred for boat building due to tyloses that plug the vessels.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on cut and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 10 years). The light color and lack of deep oxidation or heavy wear suggest a relatively recent kiln-dried sample.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability must be managed. Responds well to steam bending.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut. High tannin content can react with iron/steel to cause blue-black staining. Contains tyloses which make the wood waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane, oil-based varnishes, or tongue oil are recommended to highlight the medullary rays. Grain filler may be used for a smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High. The presence of long medullary rays, the olive-brown hue, and the ring-porous structure are classic diagnostic features of the white oak group.