White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight-grained with large pores; shows some cathedral figure on flat-sawn surfaces and distinctive ray flecks on quarter-sawn sections.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast; sapwood is nearly white to light brown. Characterized by moderate luster, darkening significantly with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-contact applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era (1-10 years); the piece shows minimal oxidation and typical industrial kiln-dried color consistency.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Generally good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked; high tannin content can cause dark staining when in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and reactive stains (fuming); pore filler is recommended for a glass-smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High; based on the visible coarse open pores, light brown/olive color palette, and the characteristic grain structure typical of the Quercus genus.