White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight grain with large pores; shows distinct ray flecking and cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections; prominent growth rings.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast; sapwood is ivory to light brown and not always clearly demarcated; heartwood darkens slightly with age to a deeper golden brown.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay; historically used for boatbuilding and tight cooperage because of tyloses in pores.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), interior 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 cut (Quarter-sawn being more expensive).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly split or roughly processed recent stock; minimal oxidation or patina suggesting wood was harvested/milled within the last 1-3 years.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainable; FSC certified sources are common.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools; higher shrinkage rate makes it susceptible to movement; reacts with iron (turning black) when wet due to high tannin content.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked; contains tyloses which make the heartwood waterproof; high tannin content can cause corrosion in unprotected fasteners.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though large pores may require grain filler for a smooth surface; oil-based finishes highlight the grain fleck beautifully.
Identification Confidence
High; the coarse texture, large open pores visible in the split face, and the specific light-brown to olive hue are classic indicators of Quercus alba.