White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and coarse grain, showing a typical ring-porous structure. This sample appears to be flat-sawn with visible growth rings and small, dark tyloses-clogged pores appearing as dark streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast; sapwood is slightly lighter. The wood tends to darken and become more golden-brown as it ages and is exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses, which plug the vessels and make the wood liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and heavy construction.
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
Modern lumber; surface oxidation and surface dirt suggest the wood has been exposed for 1-5 years post-milling.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when wet. High tannin content can cause dark iron-staining if in contact with steel in damp conditions. Visible rays and tyloses in the pores are key diagnostic features.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes highlight the grain nicely. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for high-traffic areas like flooring. Takes stains evenly.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible large earlywood pores with dark streaks (tyloses) and the specific light-brown to olive hue are classic indicators of White Oak.