White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse texture; end grain shows prominent large earlywood pores and conspicuous wide medullary rays characteristic of the white oak group.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is light off-white to light brown. The central darker area in the image appears to be moisture or 'wet heart' rather than natural pigmentation. Tends to darken slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores which make the wood nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, barrel making (cooperage), boat building, tool handles, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 - $8.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber, though price varies by grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
The log appears to be freshly cut (green wood) based on the high moisture content visible in the center and the presence of fresh bark and sawdust.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending; glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Tends to react with iron (especially when wet) causing deep blue/black staining due to high tannin content. Distinctive 'oaky' scent when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well. For outdoor or high-moisture use, penetrating oils are recommended; for indoor furniture, polyurethane or lacquer provides excellent protection.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the thick, blocky bark, the prominent medullary rays visible on the end grain, and the ring-porous structure is characteristic of Quercus alba.