White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large pore structure. The sample shows a mix of rift-sawn and flat-sawn grain with slight cathedral peaking near the top and visible medullary rays.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light tan. It has a low to medium luster and typically darkens slightly with age to a more golden-brown hue.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it nearly waterproof.
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 – $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or surfaced (less than 1 year); the wood shows no significant oxidation, graying, or patina, and appears recently processed on a table saw.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainable; FSC certification is common.
Workability
Commonly easy to work with machine and hand tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability is a factor. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can react with iron-based fasteners to create blue/black stains.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut; contains high tannin levels; ring-porous structure; tyloses in pores make it suitable for liquids.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes enhance the grain; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection. Water-based finishes stay clear and prevent the 'ambering' of the wood.
Identification Confidence
High; the open grain structure, characteristic 'wheat' color, and visible medullary ray flecks are classic diagnostic features of North American White Oak.