White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain; the sample exhibits a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn appearance with visible medullary ray flecks beginning to show. Narrow, uniform pores are visible.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with a slight olive-to-tan cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter. The wood is currently in a raw, freshly milled state and will darken to a deeper amber over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; characterized by high rot resistance and excellent decay resistance due to tyloses in the pores that make the wood nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels, heavy construction, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern harvest (less than 5 years) based on the lack of oxidation, clean surface milling marks, and bright coloration.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available as FSC certified wood.
Workability
Excellent with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though the large pores may require filling for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when cut; high tannin content may react with iron to cause blue-black staining. Features large, long medullary rays.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes highlight the grain flecks; polyurethane or lacquer provide durability. Responds exceptionally well to fuming with ammonia to darken the color naturally.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the light tan/olive hue, coarse texture, and prominent medullary rays is highly characteristic of North American White Oak.