White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a moderate to low luster. The image shows a classic rift-sawn to quarter-sawn orientation exhibiting characteristic vertical grain lines with visible ray flecks beginning to appear.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light-colored, off-white to light brown. It tends to darken or yellow slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses that plug the vessel elements.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut (Rift/Quartered is usually premium).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/New; the surface appears freshly planed/sanded with no significant oxidation, wear, or patina consistent with antique wood.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a moderately high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Telltale oak scent when being worked; high tannin content can cause a reaction (dark staining) if the wood comes into contact with iron in wet conditions.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well. Polyurethane, oil-based varnishes, or natural oils are recommended to highlight the grain depth.
Identification Confidence
High; the open-pored structure, color, and prominent vertical grain lines are distinctive indicators of a North American White Oak species cut specifically in a rift/quarter fashion.