White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight-grained with a coarse, uneven texture. The face grain shows a classic cathedral pattern and distinct medullary rays. The end grain shows a ring-porous structure with latewood pores filled with tyloses.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with a yellowish/olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter but not always sharply demarcated. Tends to darken slightly over time to a more golden amber.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high resistance to decay and rot due to tyloses in the pores which make the wood water-resistant. Good resistance to insects.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, barrel making (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 lumbers typically sourced from trees 60-100 years old; this specific board appears to be kiln-dried new stock with no significant oxidation or wear.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderate dulling effect on cutters. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining if the wood comes into contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, oil, or lacquer all work well. Penetrating oils highlight the medullary rays (flakes). If a glass-smooth surface is desired, a grain filler is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High; the ring-porous end grain structure with visible latewood tyloses and the characteristic ray flecks on the face grain are definitive markers of White Oak.