White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight grain with prominent, long growth rings and distinct medullary rays typical of ring-porous woods.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown. Becomes darker and more amber with age and exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high decay resistance due to tyloses in the pores that make it nearly water-tight. Good resistance to insects.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut or recently harvested within the last 1-2 years based on the lack of grey oxidation and the presence of rough chainsaw marks on the end grain.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Works well with both hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate. May react with iron (staining) when wet. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when fresh. High tannin content can cause blue-black stains if it comes into contact with iron in wet conditions. Acoustic properties make it suitable for some percussion.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oils, polyurethane, and lacquer. Fuming with ammonia can achieve deep, rich colors due to high tannin content.
Identification Confidence
Medium. The ring-porous structure and tight growth rings visible on this rough cut are characteristic of the White Oak group, though definitive identification requires a clean end-grain cross-section.