White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows prominent medullary rays and earlywood pores characteristic of a flat-sawn or rift-sawn cut typical of North American oaks.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter white to light brown. The sample shows a natural luster and will likely darken to a richer amber or golden brown with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood which plug the pores. Frequently used for water-tight applications and outdoor structures.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent milling; light patina and lack of deep oxidation or graying suggest the sample is less than 5-10 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Good results with machine and hand tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, so seasoned stock is required to avoid movement. It reacts with iron/nails (turning blue-black) due to high tannin content. Slighly dulling to cutters.
Notable Features
Characteristic 'oak' scent when being worked; exceptionally high tannin content; tyloses make the heartwood waterproof; heavy and strong with excellent steam-bending properties.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well. Polyurethane or oil finishes (like Danish oil) are recommended to highlight the grain. Avoid water-based finishes directly on raw wood to prevent tannin pull without a sealer.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive large earlywood pores, color-consistent medullary rays, and characteristic porous texture are hallmark indicators of Quercus alba.