White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with large, prominent pores. Shows distinct ray fleck figure typical of rift-sawn and quarter-sawn cuts.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light tan to nearly white. Ages to a deeper golden brown over time.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to decay and rot due to high tannin content and tyloses in the heartwood pores.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, 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 cut and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled sample with minimal oxidation or wear, likely under 5 years old.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN), widely available as FSC certified; highly sustainable and abundant.
Workability
Excellent with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending and glues/finishes effectively.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when wet; pores are plugged with tyloses making it waterproof; can react with iron to form dark stains.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane are ideal. Dark stains work well to highlight the grain, though it is naturally beautiful with a clear coat.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible large open pores, color, and specific ray fleck pattern are definitive of the White Oak group.