White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and open-grained with a medium to coarse texture; visible rays and a standard flat-sawn cathedral pattern on the faces
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast; sapwood is nearly white to light brown and typically narrow. Tends to darken and become more golden-brown with age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is rot-resistant and has a high concentration of tyloses making it excellent for liquid containment
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 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and region
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/Recently Milled (less than 5 years) based on lack of significant oxidation and fresh surface texture
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES and rated as Least Concern by IUCN; widely available and FSC certified sources are common
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it has moderate blunting effects. Glues and finishes well, and reacts beautifully to steam bending.
Notable Features
Leaves a mild, acidic scent when being worked; high tannin content can cause blue/black staining when it comes into contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, shellac, and oil-based finishes work well. It is often fumed with ammonia to create a deep, darker color. Pre-sanding to 220 grit is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High; the color, coarse texture, and characteristic ray flect and open pores are hallmark identifiers of White Oak.