White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight grain with prominent cathedral figure in the flatsawn section; tight growth rings and moderate texture.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is slightly lighter. Tends to darken and become more amber with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high decay resistance due to tyloses in pores; excellent rot and insect resistance.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, tight cooperage (wine and whiskey barrels), and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on width, thickness, and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber cut, likely processed within the last 1-3 years based on lack of significant oxidation and fresh surface milling marks.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern; broadly available as FSC certified; not CITES listed.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools; higher shrinkage requires careful drying; glues and finishes well, though pre-boring for screws is recommended.
Notable Features
Contains high tannin levels which react with iron to cause black staining; possesses a distinctive, sour-sweet scent when freshly cut.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based polyurethanes, lacquer, and shellac. Visible pores may require a grain filler if a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the light olive-brown hue, large open pores characteristic of Quercus, and the specific cathedral grain pattern are hallmark indicators of White Oak.