White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large pore structure. This sample appears flat-sawn with faint medullary rays (ray fleck) visible in the texture.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter. The sample shows a warm yellow/amber patina typical of aged oil-based finishes. Tends to darken slightly over time with exposure to UV.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores that prevent water absorption.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years based on the ambering of the topcoat and the specific wear patterns on the grain ridges.
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
Excellent results with machine and hand tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, but glues, stains, and finishes well. Can react with iron fasteners to cause blue/black staining (tannin reaction).
Notable Features
Distinctive 'oak' scent when worked; high tannin content; ring-porous structure makes the grain feel physically textured.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based polyurethanes highlight the grain well. Due to large pores, a grain filler is recommended if a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible pore arrangement and the 'wheat' color characteristic of the Quercus genus, specifically the white oak group (due to the lack of pinkish hues seen in Red Oak), are clearly evident.