White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight grain with prominent rays. Ends show wide, open cathedral patterns and tight rings; rift and quartered surfaces show distinct ray flecks.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is nearly white to light brown. Tendency to darken significantly with age and fuming treatments.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in pores, though sapwood has low resistance.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and heavy outdoor construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut (higher for rift/quartered).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently seasoned; boards show rough-sawn mill marks and minimal surface oxidation or patina.
Sustainability Status
Abundant and sustainable; not CITES listed; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it has high shrinkage. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when wet; high tannin content allows for iron-buff ebonizing; tyloses make heartwood waterproof for liquid storage.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil, polyurethane, and wax. Stains well but highlights grain deeply; pre-stain conditioner recommended for lighter finishes.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible end-grain growth rings, tan-olive coloration, and rough-sawn texture are characteristic of North American White Oak species.