White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight-grained with coarse texture. This sample shows a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn orientation, evidenced by the vertical narrow grain lines and faint visible medullary rays.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast; sapwood is slightly lighter. Heartwood often has a cooler, grey-brown tone rather than the reddish hues found in Red Oak. It develops a deeper amber patina with age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores which make it nearly waterproof. Good insect resistance.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on width and grain orientation (rift/quarter-sawn commands a premium).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (less than 20 years), based on the clean surface, lack of deep oxidation/patina, and modern machining marks.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widespread availability and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Works well with both hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) if wet. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Features tyloses that plug the vascular vessels, making it suitable for liquid-tight containers. Has a distinct, slightly acidic scent when being worked. High tannin content.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, oil-based varnishes, or hardwax oils are recommended. Can be fumed with ammonia to darken it naturally via tannin reaction.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic large, open pores arranged in a ring-porous pattern, coupled with the light tan/olive color and medullary ray flecks, are definitive for Quercus alba.