White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn grain with prominent medullary rays (flecking). Grain is generally straight with a coarse, uneven texture.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with a subtle olive cast. Sapwood is near-white to light gray. Tends to darken slightly with age and develop a golden patina.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-contact applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity (higher for quarter-sawn fleck).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber. Surface shows fresh milling marks and minimal oxidation, suggesting wood harvested and processed within the last 1-3 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in 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. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, though large pores may require grain filler for a glass-smooth finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when seasoned. High tannin content can cause dark staining when in contact with iron and moisture. Low shrinkage and excellent stability when quarter-sawn.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes highlight the ray fleck chatoyance perfectly. Polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection for flooring. Responds well to fuming with ammonia.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible medullary rays at the top and bottom of the frame are unmistakable signatures of quarter-sawn White Oak.