White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The image shows a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn appearance with characteristic medullary rays (flecking) visible in the lower-right area.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown. It tends to darken slightly over time and develops a golden patina with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores which make the wood nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on cut (rift/quarter-sawn increases cost).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern stock (less than 10 years) based on the light, unoxidized color and absence of historic tool marks or heavy wear.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified sources are common.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though its high tannin content can cause reaction with iron-based fasteners (turning black).
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. Contains tyloses which block the pores, making it more decay-resistant than Red Oak. Can cause skin or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane to highlight the grain. To avoid 'tannin pull,' use a sealer before water-based finishes.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive coarse grain, light olive-brown hue, and the presence of medullary rays/rays flecks are classic diagnostic features of the Quercus genus, specifically the white oak group.