White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large texture. Visible ring-porous structure and prominent medullary rays are typical of this species.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is near-white to light brown and not always sharply demarcated. Tends to darken slightly 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 in the pores, which makes the wood nearly waterproof.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, furniture, interior trim, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh cut/Newly milled; shows no oxidation or UV patina, and surface appears to have been recently planed or sanded in a workshop setting.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. It has a moderately high shrinkage rate, which can lead to poor dimensional stability if not dried properly. 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 when in contact with iron in wet conditions. Closed-pore structure allows for liquid containment (used for wine/whiskey barrels).
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well. Polyurethane or lacquer is recommended for durability. Natural oils or waxes can be used to highlight the grain and medullary rays.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible coarse texture, color tone, and specific pore arrangement seen in the surface grain are classic indicators of North American White Oak.