White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn cathedral patterns with visible earlywood pores and coarse texture. Features long, prominent medullary rays and straight grain typical of ring-porous woods.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast. Sapwood is almost white to light tan. It has a low luster and tends to darken to a deeper amber color over time.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in its pores, making it more water-resistant than Red Oak.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 – $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled or secondary-use material; shows fresh surface oxidation with no significant signs of historical patina or weathering.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Pre-boring is recommended for screws to avoid splitting.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when wet. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining if the wood comes in contact with iron in wet conditions.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are recommended to highlight the grain. Avoid water-based finishes without a sealer to prevent tannin pull.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible large earlywood pores, characteristic cathedral grain on the face, and the specific light brown/olive hue are definitive for White Oak.