White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain. The sample shows a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn appearance with distinct linear growth rings and hints of medullary rays.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with a yellowish-olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter. It tends to darken or amber slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores; often used for water-tight applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot (depending on location and grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently processed. The lack of oxidation, graying, or significant patina suggests the wood is relatively new (less than 1 year since surfacing).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both machine and hand tools. Glues and finishes well, though it has high shrinkage. Pre-boring for screws is recommended.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when wet. Contain high levels of tannic acid which can react with iron to cause dark staining. Highly porous but 'closed' by tyloses.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane highlight the grain. Avoid iron-based stains. Responds well to fuming with ammonia to darken the color.
Identification Confidence
High. The color cast, coarse texture, and prominent earlywood/latewood transitions are characteristic of White Oak (Quercus group).