White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large ring-porous texture; the image shows flat-sawn grain with prominent open pores characteristic of oaks.
Color Description
Medium reddish-brown stained finish over natural light to medium brown heartwood. Sapwood is typically narrow and white to light brown. Darkens slightly with age to a deep amber.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is extremely resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores which make it water-resistant.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and thickness.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern production (10–30 years), based on the uniform commercial stain and modern polyurethane/lacquer topcoat sheen.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN Red List); widely available and sustainably managed in North America; FSC certified options common.
Workability
Strong and heavy; works well with machine and hand tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending and glues well.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'tannic' scent when cut; high tannin content can cause blue-black staining if wood comes into contact with iron and water.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains well, though the large open pores (visible in the photo) often require a grain filler for a glass-smooth finish. Polyurethane or lacquer are standard for durability.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible distribution of large, open earlywood pores and the specific grain structure are classic hallmarks of the Quercus genus, with the color and texture strongly suggesting White Oak over Red Oak.