White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible in the panels; ring-porous structure with prominent earlywood pores.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown tone (likely stained); natural heartwood is light to medium brown, often with an olive cast; sapwood is ivory to light brown. Becomes more amber with age.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood pores which make the wood nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing (5-20 years); the uniform finish and precise v-groove milling suggest contemporary machine manufacturing.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tell-tale large pores; high tannin content can cause a dark reaction when in contact with iron and water; mild, non-distinct odor when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability; oil-based stains are common to highlight the prominent grain; requires grain filler if a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible pore structure (ring-porous), cathedral grain arches, and overall texture are characteristic of the Quercus genus, specifically the White Oak group due to the coloring.