White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with large pores; appears to be flat-sawn displaying a subtle cathedral figure; prominent medullary rays are visible near the edges of the cut.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, frequently with an olive cast. Sapwood is light off-white to light brown. The sample shows significant water staining and silver-gray weathered oxidation on the surface.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf; Classified as Hard
Durability Rating
Very Durable; Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood which plug the vascular tubes.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and high-end exterior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently processed rough-sawn lumber, likely 1-3 years since harvesting based on the fresh band-saw marks and topical water staining.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; broadly available and not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Workability
Strong and durable but relatively easy to work with machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Gluing is standard, but the high tannin content can cause blue/black staining if metal fasteners are used in wet conditions.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'whiskey barrel' scent when cut. High tannin content. Contains tyloses, making it nearly waterproof compared to Red Oak.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Penelope-style oils or polyurethane are recommended for durability. If using water-based finishes, a sealer is recommended to prevent tannin pull.
Identification Confidence
High; The distinctive coarse grain, visible medullary rays on the edge, and the characteristic olive-tan hue under the silvering are classic indicators of Quercus alba.