White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large pore structure. Visible medullary rays on the rift-sawn and quarter-sawn faces, exhibiting a distinctive 'fleck' or 'tiger' figure typical of oak species.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is off-white to light brown. The color tends to darken and become more amber or golden-brown over time with exposure to UV light and air.
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, making it more water-resistant than Red Oak.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), trim work, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $7.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled or well-preserved modern stock, likely between 1-5 years post-processing based on the light patina and sharp, clean edges of the profile.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Relatively easy to work with machine tools, though it has high shrinkage. Glues, stains, and finishes well. Sensitive to contact with iron (turns blue/black if wet) due to high tannin content.
Notable Features
High tannin content, distinct scent when freshly cut (mild, sour-sweet), and tyloses that plug the vessels, providing superior water resistance compared to other hardwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes extremely well. Oil-based polyurethanes or penetrating oils are recommended to highlight the grain and medullary rays.
Identification Confidence
High. The large open pores, prominent medullary ray flecks visible on the radial surface, and the characteristic tan/olive hue are diagnostic features of Quercus alba.