White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn or rift-sawn characteristic with prominent, elongated pores and typical oak ray fleck beginning to appear.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter than the heartwood, which tends toward a beige or tan. It has a moderate luster and typically darkens slightly with age to a more golden-amber tone.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the heartwood pores, making it suitable for water-tight applications.
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 grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (within 1-5 years) based on the crisp edges, lack of significant oxidation, and clean surface texture without UV-induced darkening.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered very sustainable and widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It has good steam-bending capabilities and glues well. However, it can react with iron (staining the wood blue/black) and requires pre-drilling for screws.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when freshly cut. Contains high amounts of tannic acid. The heartwood pores are clogged with tyloses, which prevents liquid from passing through.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or lacquer are common for durability. Iron-based stains can be used for 'ebonizing.' Grain filler is recommended if a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible large, open-pored structure (vessels), tight grain lines, and characteristic golden-brown hue are definitive markers for the White Oak group.