White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a prominent cathedral figure visible from flat-sawing. Features distinct large, open pores and noticeable medullary rays.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown. The wood tends to darken slightly and become more amber with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-contact applications; moderate insect resistance.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrel making (cooperage), interior trim, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled/surfaced. The light color and lack of oxidation suggest the board is new stock (less than 1-2 years since surfacing).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent results with machine and hand tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability is a factor. Gluing, staining, and finishing are generally good, though it can react with iron-based fasteners.
Notable Features
Tends to have a distinct, slightly acidic scent when being worked. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining if it contacts iron in wet conditions.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Penetrating oils or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the grain. If a smooth surface is desired, a grain filler may be needed due to large open pores.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the distinct cathedral grain, porous ring-porous structure, and light olive-tan color is characteristic of the White Oak group.