White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Rift-sawn to quarter-sawn with prominent medullary rays and straight, coarse grain. The end grain shows characteristic ring-porous structure and long tyloses in the latewood pores.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast; sapwood is white to light brown. Finishes to a warm honey-gold color over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses that plug the vessels, making it ideal for water-tight applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), and millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on cut (Rift or Quarter-sawn)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely kiln-dried and processed within the last 1-5 years based on the fresh appearance and lack of significant oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; abundant in North America and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Strong and heavy; works well with machinery but can cause dulling of blades. High shrinkage during drying. Steam-bends exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when wet. High tannin content can react with steel fasteners to create blue-black stains. Large medullary rays create unique ray fleck patterns when quarter-sawn.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based varnishes are recommended for durability. Avoid water-based finishes directly on bare wood to prevent tannin pull.
Identification Confidence
High. The end grain clearly shows the structural pores of a ring-porous hardwood with the long, thin medullary rays and color characteristics specific to the white oak group.