White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with prominent cathedral grain patterns and visible open pores; texture is coarse and uneven with straight to slightly irregular grain.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is white to light brown and not always sharply demarcated; darkens slightly with age to a more golden tone.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-tight applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrel making (cooperage), interior trim, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern Northern America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (freshly milled); the lack of significant oxidation, UV graying, or patina suggests it has been processed within the last 1-3 years.
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, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam-bending and 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 and moisture; contains tyloses which block the pores.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; polyurethane and oils are most common to enhance the grain. High tannin content may require a sealer to prevent staining if certain water-based finishes are used.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic cathedral grain, visible open-pore structure, olive-brown color, and lack of red undertones (typical of Red Oak) are classic markers of White Oak.