White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Rift-sawn to quarter-sawn with characteristic medullary rays (pencil thin lines/ray fleck), straight grain, and coarse texture with open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light tan to nearly white. It tends to darken or yellow slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for boat building and tight cooperage.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, boat building, barrels (cooperage), and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on cut (rift/quarter-sawn command a premium).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing; likely 5-15 years since installation based on wear patterns, scratches, and slight oxidation of the topcoat.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Works well with hand and machine tools. Has moderately high shrinkage and can be prone to splintering; reacts with iron (staining) if wet; glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked; contains high tannin levels; tyloses in pores make it watertight; heavy and very strong.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are ideal for flooring. It takes stains very well, though open pores may require a filler for an ultra-smooth finish.
Identification Confidence
High; the presence of long medullary rays, the open-pored structure, and the specific 'olive' tan color are classic diagnostic features of White Oak.