White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, open grain with a medium to coarse texture. Typical quartersawn orientation showing prominent medullary rays and longer tyloses compared to red oak.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is light off-white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden-brown; darkens slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses that plug the vascular vessels. Excellent for outdoor use.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, 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 cut (quartersawn vs flatsawn) and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 20-40 years based on heavy oxidation of the surface and physical wear marks.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES restricted. FSC certified options are plentiful.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Reacts with iron fasteners (staining) when wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when worked. High tannin content can cause dark staining when in contact with steel. Natural water resistance makes it unique among domestic hardwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are recommended to highlight the grain and provide protection.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible open pores, tell-tale medullary ray flecking, and characteristic honey-brown oxidation are classic markers of the White Oak group.