American White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight-grained and coarse-textured; showing prominent ray flecks characteristic of quarter-sawn orientation and large, ring-porous earlywood vessels.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light cream to light brown. Darkens slightly with age and UV exposure, gaining a more golden hue.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent decay resistance and rot resistance. Often used for tight cooperage due to tyloses in pores.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and rift/quarter-sawn status.
Wood Age Estimate
Vintage/Aged; the visible surface oxidation, dark accumulation in the open pores, and rough-sawn texture suggest several decades of age.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Works well with hand and machine tools. Has a moderate shrinkage rate. Reacts with iron (blue-black staining). Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
High tannin content; distinct slightly acidic scent when being worked; characterized by tyloses that make the wood nearly waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are ideal to highlight depth. Requires grain filler if a glass-smooth surface is desired due to open-pore structure.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; Based on the distinct ring-porous structure, prominent medullary rays (flecks), and typical olive-brown coloration characteristic of the Quercus genus.