White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight grain with visible cathedral figure in the center; medium to coarse texture with large pores characteristic of a flat-sawn board.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is significantly lighter, nearly white to light tan. Features low to moderate luster and typically darkens slightly with age to a more amber tone.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to heartwood decay and rot due to tyloses in the pores which make the wood nearly liquid-impermeable.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on region and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern stock (under 5 years) based on the fresh milling marks, lack of deep oxidation, and sharp edges characteristic of kiln-dried lumber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable through FSC certification.
Workability
Relatively easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Gluing, staining, and finishing produce good results, though it reacts with iron (rust) and can turn black when wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut; contains high tannin content which can cause corrosion in non-stainless fasteners; heavy and strong with excellent steam-bending capabilities.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are recommended to enhance the grain. For better protection against moisture, a film-building finish is best.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large open pores, light olive-brown heartwood, pale sapwood, and the presence of small knots and cathedral grain is diagnostic for White Oak.