White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a mix of flat-sawn cathedral patterns and some rift-sawn sections with long, linear vessels. Tyloses are present in pores, a hallmark of White Oak.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter off-white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden hue over time with light oxidation.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to closed cellular structure (tyloses), making it suitable for water-contact applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrel making (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled secondary growth lumber based on the lack of deep oxidation, saw marks, or significant patina; likely 0-5 years since processing.
Sustainability Status
Abundant and sustainable; not CITES listed and classified on the IUCN Red List as Least Concern. FSC certification widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when worked. High tannin content can cause dark staining when in contact with iron in wet conditions. Very heavy and strong.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes enhance the depth of the grain; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection. Reacts well to ammonia fuming for an 'Arts and Crafts' aesthetic.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible open pores, light brownish-olive color, and specific grain structure are classic indicators of Quercus alba, especially the presence of ray flecks and closed pores compared to Red Oak.