White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse texture with straight grain. Visible cathedral figure on flat-sawn planks and characteristic ray flecks on quarter-sawn sections. Large, open pores are visible.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is light off-white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden tone and darkens slightly over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it nearly liquid-tight. Good insect resistance.
Common Uses
Flooring, cabinetry, high-end furniture, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut (Select vs Number 1 Common).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era; likely manufactured within the last 10-30 years based on the standard plank width, uniform milling, and polyurethane-style surface sheen.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; widely available and not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. FSC certification is common.
Workability
Excellent results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, though it can react with iron-based fasteners to cause blue/black staining (tannin reaction).
Notable Features
Distinctive 'tannic' scent when worked. Contains high levels of tannins. Exceptional strength and stability. Open-pored texture requires grain filler if a glass-smooth finish is desired.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane (water-based or oil-based) is standard for flooring. Oil finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the grain. Penetrating sealers work well to protect the open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive coarse grain, visible medullary rays, light olive undertones, and closed-pore structure (visible as lack of dark 'red' streaks) are classic hallmarks of White Oak.