White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight with a coarse, uneven texture. Features prominent ray fleck patterns (medullary rays) visible on the quartersawn face and large, open pores typical of the ring-porous structure. Includes cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown and is not always sharply demarcated from heartwood. Tends to darken slightly over time with exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it nearly water-tight. Good resistance to insects.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on cut (flat-sawn vs. quarter-sawn) and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently seasoned (less than 1 year), based on the lack of significant graying, surface oxidation, or deep patina.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed. FSC certification is common for this species.
Workability
Generally works well with hand and machine tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability can be an issue. Reacts with iron (rust) to cause blue/black staining. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause corrosion in iron fasteners. Excellent steam-bending properties. The presence of tyloses makes it the preferred wood for liquid-tight containers.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all finishing types including oil, polyurethane, lacquer, and wax. Stains very evenly. For a smooth finish, a grain filler may be required due to large pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the large open pores, distinct medullary rays (flecking), and pale olive-brown color are classic indicators of Quercus alba.