White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. In the image, the flat-sawn face shows characteristic cathedral patterns and prominent large, open pores typical of the ring-porous structure.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter. The wood tends to darken and become more golden-brown with age and exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent decay resistance; heartwood is rot-resistant and was historically used for boatbuilding and tight cooperage because its tyloses plug the vessels.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing; the crisp edges and light oxidation suggest a contemporary sample (under 10 years old) rather than salvaged antique timber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered highly sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Good results with hand and 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 grain filler for a glass-smooth finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when worked. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining if it comes into contact with iron in wet conditions. Contains tyloses, making it nearly waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes enhance the depth of the grain; polyurethane for durability in high-traffic areas. Reacts well to fuming with ammonia to create a deep, dark brown 'Mission' style color.
Identification Confidence
High. The ring-porous structure, color, and visible pore distribution on the edge and face grain are hallmark indicators of the Quercus genus, specifically within the white oak group.