White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight-grained with a medium to coarse texture, exhibits a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn appearance with distinct medullary rays seen as small flecks and streaks. No significant curl or irregular figure visible in this specific cut.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light white to light brown and not always sharply demarcated. Tends to darken slightly with age and exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-tight applications. Heartwood is resistant to most insect attacks.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on region and cut quality (Rift/Quarter-sawn commands a premium).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently seasoned; shows minimal oxidation or patina, consistent with new stock less than 2 years old.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widespread and sustainable, widely available with FSC certification. Not CITES listed.
Workability
Generally works well with hand and machine tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability can be an issue. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) when wet due to high tannin content. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, slightly acidic scent when being worked. High tannin content makes it ideal for fuming with ammonia. Ring-porous structure with tyloses that plug the vessels, making it liquid-tight.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and lacquer. Due to large pores, a grain filler may be used for a glass-smooth surface. Penetrating oils highlight the medullary ray flecks.
Identification Confidence
High; the vessel arrangement, color with olive undertones, and the presence of prominent medullary rays are classic indicators of Quercus alba.