White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern on the face with prominent large earlywood pores and visible medullary rays that are characteristic of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light off-white to light brown and is not always sharply demarcated from the heartwood. It typically darkens slightly with age to a more amber tone.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to decay and rot due to the presence of tyloses in the pores, making it more water-resistant than Red Oak.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrel making (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot (varies by grade and width)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely harvested within the last 2-5 years. The surface shows modern mechanical planing marks and lacks deep oxidation or historic patina which would suggest reclamation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification options.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has moderately high shrinkage, so seasoning is important. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) if wet. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content facilitates fuming with ammonia to darken the wood. Pores are plugged with tyloses, which prevents liquid from passing through the grain.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane are recommended. If a smooth surface is desired, a grain filler may be needed due to the open-pore structure. Responds very well to 'fumed' finishes.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large earlywood pores, visible medullary rays, and the specific olive-brown hue is classic for White Oak.