White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium-to-large pore structure. This sample exhibits a flat-sawn to rift-sawn appearance with characteristic cathedral arches beginning to form on the left side and tighter, vertical lines on the right.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light off-white to light brown. The wood tends to darken slightly toward a more amber-gold tone with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses which plug the vessels, making it nearly liquid-impermeable.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Contemporary / Modern (Likely 1-10 years based on the lack of deep oxidation or heavy surface patina).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability is a factor. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining if the wood comes into contact with iron in wet conditions. Contains tyloses in the pores which distinguish it from Red Oak.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for high-wear surfaces like flooring; penetrating oils (tung or linseed) and waxes for furniture to highlight the grain texture.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large open pores, distinct growth rings, color palette, and specific grain movement is characteristic of North American White Oak.