White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Visible ray fleck pattern typical of quarter-sawn processing is present in some areas; large, open pores are visible on the surface.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light off-white to light brown. It tends to darken slightly toward a more golden-brown hue with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores which make the wood water-resistant. Good resistance to insects.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/New stock; the wood shows fresh circular saw marks and minimal oxidation or patina development, suggesting it was milled within the last 1-2 years.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
General ease of use with machine and hand tools. However, it has a high shrinkage rate and can be prone to movement. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) when wet due to high tannin content. Good gluing and finishing properties.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content makes it suitable for fuming with ammonia. Unlike Red Oak, the pores are plugged with tyloses, making it suitable for liquid-tight applications.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes highlight the grain brilliantly. Polyurethane or lacquer provides excellent protection for high-wear surfaces like flooring. Water-based finishes prevent the slight yellowing common with oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large open pores, visible medullary rays, and the specific brownish-olive heartwood color is characteristic of the White Oak group.