White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn or rift-sawn appearance with characteristic visible rays on the end grain. Large pores are typically plugged with tyloses.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light-colored, off-white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden tone and darkens slightly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent decay resistance and naturally rot-resistant due to tyloses in heartwood pores, making it suitable for water-tight applications.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, furniture, interior trim, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $7.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely 0-10 years post-harvest based on the lack of oxidation, fresh surface milling, and bright color palette.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can react with iron-based fasteners to cause blue/black staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when worked. High tannin content. Contains tyloses which make the wood waterproof (unlike Red Oak).
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well. Penetrating oils (like Danish oil) or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the grain while providing protection.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible end-grain pore structure, light olive-brown hue, and tight grain characteristics are classic indicators of North American White Oak.