White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Features prominent, long medullary rays which appear as radial lines on the end grain and 'fleck' figure when quarter-sawn.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light cream to light brown, not always sharply demarcated. Tends to darken slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood which plug the vessels, making it nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Boatbuilding, wine and whiskey barrels (cooperage), flooring, cabinetry, fine furniture, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on cut (Quarter-sawn commands a premium).
Wood Age Estimate
The tree shows approximately 30-40 annual growth rings. The sample appears freshly cut (within 1-6 months) due to the lack of significant oxidation or deep weathering on the cross-section.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification available.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability is average. Reacts with iron (rust/staining) if wet, but glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked; contains high levels of tannic acid; tyloses in pores make it waterproof; very heavy and strong.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes highlight the grain flecks beautifully. Polyurethane or lacquer are excellent for surface protection. Reacts well to ammonia fuming for a darker, traditional Mission-style look.
Identification Confidence
High; the end grain shows classic ring-porous structure with large earlywood pores and long, distinct medullary rays characteristic of the Quercus genus, while the tannish-olive hue is specific to the White Oak group.