White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and coarse-textured; the end grain shows prominent, large medullary rays and ring-porous structure with tyloses visible in heartwood pores
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is yellowish-white. It tends to darken to a richer golden brown with age and light exposure
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses closing the pores, making it watertight and insect-resistant
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), outdoor construction, and tool handles
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on cut (e.g., quarter-sawn commands higher prices)
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 60-80 years based on visible growth ring count in the cross-section
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and generally sustainable with FSC certification common
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate and can react with iron fasteners to cause staining/corrosion; glues and finishes well
Notable Features
Features a distinct, slightly acidic scent when green; high tannin content; tyloses in pores make the wood waterproof (unlike Red Oak)
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all finishes; penetrating oils highlight grain, though polyurethane is recommended for high-wear surfaces like flooring
Identification Confidence
High; the presence of long medullary rays, ring-porous structure, and light brown color with an olive cast are definitive for White Oak species