White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows distinct ray flecks and large, open pores arranged in a ring-porous structure typical of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is near-white to light brown. It has a low to medium natural luster and tends to darken/amber slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent decay resistance and rot resistance due to tyloses in the pores, though less resistant to certain insect attacks.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled (0-2 years). The wood lacks heavy oxidation or deep patina, and fresh tool marks/shredded fibers on the edge suggest it is in a raw, relatively new state.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Relatively easy to work with machine and hand tools. It has moderately high shrinkage and can react with iron fasteners (causing blue/black staining). Glue, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause dark stains when in contact with water and iron. Noted for its strength and ring-porous anatomy.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well including oils, polyurethane, and lacquer. For a classic look, a wax or oil finish highlights the grain; for high-traffic use like flooring, a tough film finish is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible large earlywood pores, characteristic color, and the presence of prominent medullary rays are classic indicators of North American White Oak.