White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large texture. The end grain shows prominent large pores (tyloses-filled) and prominent medullary rays consistent with flat-sawn oak.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter. With age and exposure to light, it tends to develop a deeper golden brown and amber patina.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay due to tyloses in the pores that make it nearly waterproof.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrel making (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
The wood appears to be from modern stock (less than 20 years old), showing mechanical milling marks and recent adhesive residue suggesting contemporary furniture or flooring construction.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally managed sustainably through FSC certification.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Gluing, staining, and finishing are excellent, though pre-boring is recommended for nails and screws.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when freshly cut. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining if it comes into contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes beautifully; polyurethane, oil, or wax are recommended to highlight the grain. Reacts well to ammonia fuming for a darker, traditional Mission-style look.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The visible large open pores on the face grain, the coarse texture, and the characteristic golden-tan color are hallmark indicators of the Quercus genus, specifically the White Oak group due to the olive-brown undertone.