White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight with a coarse, uneven texture. Distinctive large rays and a cathedral pattern visible on flat-sawn surfaces, with characteristic tyloses filling the pores.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter. Tends to darken and become more golden-brown with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay. Highly resistant to water due to tyloses blocking the vessels.
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 grade and cut.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (less than 20 years), based on the light oxidation and contemporary rounded machining on the edge.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable and widely available; not listed on CITES or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. FSC-certified options are common.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools. Shows moderate shrinkage; can react with iron (staining) when wet. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Features a distinct tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause dark stains if in contact with steel/iron in moist conditions. Excellent steam-bending properties.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and wax. Staining can highlight the open grain, but a grain filler is needed for a smooth, glass-like surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the ring-porous structure, visible medullary rays on the curved edge, and the characteristic tan-olive color are diagnostic of White Oak.