White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern and visible large pores typical of ring-porous hardwoods.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Paler sapwood is visible on the edges. The wood tends to develop an amber patina over time with light exposure.
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.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
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
Freshly milled or surfaced rough-sawn lumber, likely less than 1 year since processing based on minimal oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainable; FSC certification is common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine and hand tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, making dimensional stability a concern. It glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining when in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes extremely well. Oil-based polyurethanes or reactive oils are recommended to highlight the depth of the grain.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible large open pores, tan-to-olive color hues, and distinct transition between heartwood and sapwood are characteristic of Quercus alba.