White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with prominent, large, open pores typical of the ring-porous structure of oaks.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light off-white to light brown. It tends to darken slightly over time towards a golden tan, especially with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, 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
Modern lumber, likely kiln-dried and processed within the last 5-10 years based on the lack of deep oxidation or graying.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability can be an issue. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) if wet. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tell-tale scent when being worked; contains high tannin content which can cause stains when in contact with iron and moisture; tyloses in pores make it suitable for liquids.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes highlight the grain well. Polyurethane provides excellent protection for high-wear areas like flooring. Requires a grain filler if a perfectly smooth, glass-like surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large open pores, specific cathedral grain architecture, 'wheat' color, and visible medullary rays is characteristic of the Quercus genus, specifically White Oak.