White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain. The sample shows a flat-sawn to rift-sawn orientation with visible large pores typical of ring-porous hardwoods and subtle medullary ray flecks beginning to show.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is light off-white to cream. It develops a darker, amber patina with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High rot resistance and rot-proof due to tylose-filled pores; highly resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), interior millwork, and outdoor decking.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
New to 5 years. The wood appears freshly surfaced with no significant oxidation or UV-induced darkening, likely kiln-dried stock.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Widely available from FSC certified sources; not listed by CITES.
Workability
Excellent with machine and hand tools. Glues and finishes well, but pre-boring is necessary for fasteners. It reacts with iron (rust) to create dark stains due to high tannin content.
Notable Features
Distinctive subtle vanilla or whiskey-like scent when freshly cut. High tannin content makes it suitable for iron-gall staining or fuming. Heavy and strong.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts most finishes well. Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) highlight grain; polyurethane provides excellent protection for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible large, open-pored grain structure combined with the characteristic olive-tan hue and ray structure are hallmarks of White Oak.