White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly flat-sawn with prominent cathedral figures and some straight-grained areas. Texture is coarse with large open pores typical of the ring-porous structure.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is a lighter off-white to light brown. It develops a deeper, richer amber patina with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses which plug the vessels, making it nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely processed within the last 5-10 years, evidenced by the contemporary clear finish and lack of deep heavy oxidized patina or physical wear.
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. It has a moderately high shrinkage rate, but glues, stains, and finishes well. Can react with iron (causing blue/black staining) if wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content makes it suitable for fuming with ammonia. Unlike Red Oak, White Oak has closed pores (tyloses) making it water-resistant.
Finish Recommendations
Urethane or lacquer (as seen on the sample) provides a durable surface. Oil-based finishes will enhance the natural golden tones and grain definition.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of strong cathedral grain patterns, ring-porous vessel structure, and the characteristic olive-tan hue is diagnostic of White Oak.