White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn cathedral grain with prominent earlywood pores; texture is coarse and uneven with straight to slightly wavy orientation.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is nearly white to light tan. It shows low luster and will darken slightly to a more golden or amber hue with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot due to tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it nearly waterproof.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern Northern America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber; the light color and fresh mechanical surfacing marks (planer skip/tearout) suggest it is relatively recently processed, likely less than 2-5 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though the large pores may require filling for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive tell-tale 'oak' scent when worked; high tannin content can cause blue-black staining if it comes into contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability; oil and wax for a natural feel. Pores can be filled if a glass-like finish is desired, otherwise a wiped finish highlights the texture.
Identification Confidence
High; the large ring-porous structure, characteristic cathedral arches of flat-sawn oak, and the light olive-tan color are definitive for the White Oak group.