White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and coarse grain with a cathedral figure visible in the flat-sawn planks; notable ray fleck patterns characteristic of quartersawn sections.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is light cream to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden-amber hue as shown in the flooring.
Hardness Rating
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot and termites due to tyloses in the pores that prevent water absorption.
Common Uses
Flooring, cabinetry, furniture, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era installation; likely 10-20 years based on the patina of the finish and standard strip flooring dimensions.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and frequently FSC certified.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending and glues/finishes excellently.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut; contains high tannin levels which can react with iron to cause blue-black staining.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are standard for flooring; accepts stains well, though it can be prone to 'tannin pull'.
Identification Confidence
High; the prominent cathedral grain, pore structure, and classic honey-brown coloration are definitive indicators of White Oak in a flooring application.