White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine grain with a rift-sawn appearance. It shows a tight, uniform texture with visible elongated pores typical of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Light to medium tan or straw color. Sapwood is slightly lighter than the heartwood, which has a cool, yellowish-brown undertone. It tends to darken or yellow slightly with age and exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores, which make the wood nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on cut and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing (likely within the last 5-10 years) based on the precision of the mechanical surfacing and lack of significant oxidation or patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered a sustainable and abundant resource in North America; FSC certification is widely available.
Workability
Produces excellent results with machine and hand tools. It has a moderate blunting effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can react with iron-based fasteners to create blue/black staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause 'iron gall' staining. The wood is uniquely waterproof among hardwoods due to its cellular structure.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and lacquer. High-quality wax or a 'invisible' water-based finish is recommended to maintain the light, modern aesthetic shown in the sample.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive pore structure, straw-like color, and tight straight grain are characteristic of rift-sawn White Oak.