White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Visible cathedral patterns typical of flat-sawn lumber; includes prominent medullary rays and large, open pores.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is near-white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden tone and tends to darken 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 heartwood pores which make the wood nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/contemporary stock based on the lack of deep oxidation, minimal surface patina, and crisp mill marks.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; widely available, not CITES listed, and classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a glass-smooth finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause dark staining when in contact with iron and moisture. Notable for tyloses which plug the vessels.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane to highlight the grain. Reacts well to ammonia fuming for a traditional 'Mission' style dark finish.
Identification Confidence
High; the open-pore structure, color variations, and characteristic cathedral grain pattern are diagnostic for White Oak.