White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong cathedral grain on face with prominent medullary rays and ring-porous structure; mostly straight but coarse texture.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is slightly lighter. Tends to darken and become more amber with time and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in heartwood pores which make it water-resistant.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and widening.
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh cut or recently milled (under 1 year) based on the light color, lack of significant oxidation, and rough-sawn end grain.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; widely available, not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; FSC certified options common.
Workability
Good with machine and hand tools, though it has high shrinkage. Responds well to steam bending. Pre-boring is recommended for fasteners.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when wet; contains high tannin content which can react with iron to create blue-black stains.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based stains or clear polyurethanes. Responds exceptionally well to fuming with ammonia to darken the wood naturally.
Identification Confidence
High; the end-grain pore structure and the characteristic light brown-olive hue are classic indicators of Quercus alba.