White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Features prominent cathedral patterns on the flat-sawn face and visible large rays.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light tan to nearly white and is not always sharply demarcated from heartwood. Tends to darken slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses which plug the vessels in the heartwood.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely processed within the last 5-10 years based on low oxidation and mechanical milling marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably through FSC certification.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has moderately high shrinkage values, so dimensional stability can be an issue. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining if it comes into contact with iron in wet conditions. Contains tyloses which make it waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes extremely well. Oil-based finishes enhance the depth of the grain, while polyurethane provides excellent protection for high-traffic areas like flooring.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible large-pored ring-porous structure combined with the characteristic wheat-colored hue and cathedral grain is diagnostic for White Oak.