White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight grain with large pores; some cathedral figure is visible in the flat-sawn portions; prominent medullary rays are characteristic of the species.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast; sapwood is typically light tan to white; tends to darken slightly and develop a golden-brown patina with age.
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 suitable for liquid-tight applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), 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
Moderately aged; the oxidation and wear on the surface suggest this sample is approximately 10-20 years old.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern on IUCN Red List; widely available and harvested sustainably; FSC certification is common.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools; high shrinkage rate makes dimensional stability a concern; reacts with iron (turning blue/black) when wet due to high tannin content.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked; high tannin content makes it ideal for fuming with ammonia; tyloses in pores make the wood waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based stains and finishes; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection; fuming with ammonia can produce unique dark colors.
Identification Confidence
High; the coarse texture, ring-porous structure, and classic light-brown olive hue are definitive characteristics of White Oak.