White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible on the face; some rift-sawn and quarter-sawn sections showing characteristic ray fleck figure.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is near-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; high resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses that plug the vessels, making it nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine/whiskey barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern kiln-dried stock, likely harvested within the last 2-5 years; shows fresh mill marks and minimal oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available as FSC certified; sustainable due to abundant growth and managed forestry practices in North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools. It has a moderate blunting effect on cutters. Excellent steam-bending properties; glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut. High tannin content can cause dark staining when in contact with iron and moisture. Notable for its ring-porous structure.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are recommended to highlight the grain. Avoid iron-based stains unless a blackened 'ebonized' effect is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large earlywood pores, characteristic 'cathedral' grain, and the specific olive-brown hue is diagnostic for the white oak group.