White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible in the rough-cut texture and prominent medullary rays.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is nearly white to light brown. Darkens slightly with age to a more golden amber.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores that make it nearly waterproof.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, 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 thickness.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or reclaimed secondary stock, estimated 0-5 years since processing based on minimal oxidation and rough-sawn surface.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; widely available and not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending and glues/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
Penetrating oils or polyurethane to highlight the grain; reacts well to ammonia fuming for a traditional Mission-style look.
Identification Confidence
High: The open-pored structure, color, and characteristic large medullary rays visible in the rough grain are diagnostic of the white oak group.