White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with large pores; show some wavy characteristics and prominent medullary rays consistent with rift-sawn and quarter-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light tan to nearly white. This sample shows weathering with graying from oxidation and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent decay and rot resistance. Historically used for boatbuilding and barrels due to tyloses in pores.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot for select grades
Wood Age Estimate
Reclaimed/Rough-cut; surface oxidation and deep checking suggest it has been air-drying for 2-5 years or is reclaimed from a structure.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Tyloses in the heartwood pores make it nearly impervious to liquids; contains high tannin content which can react with iron to cause dark staining.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based stains or polyurethane to highlight grain. Penetrating oils work well for a natural look. Avoid water-based finishes without a sealer to prevent tannin pull.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible cell structure, ray flecks, and distinctive light brown/olive color palette are characteristic of the White Oak group.