White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern on the face and prominent large pores characteristic of the ring-porous structure.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is near white to light brown and is not always sharply demarcated. The wood tends to darken slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it nearly waterproof.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and thickness.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber; the clean, rough-sawn edges and lack of significant oxidation or surface grime suggest it is relatively fresh stock, likely less than 5 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a moderately high shrinkage rate. It responds well to steam bending. Due to high tannin content, it can react with iron-based fasteners to create blue/black stains.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. Contains tyloses in the heartwood pores which prevent liquid passage, making it ideal for liquid-tight containers. Can cause skin and respiratory irritation in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are common to enhance the grain. Caution should be taken with water-based finishes which may react with tannins.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of ring-porous grain, light olive-brown color, and characteristic large vessel layout visible on the flat-sawn face is diagnostic for North American White Oak.