White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight grain with prominent rays; the section shows a flat-sawn or rift-sawn face with some stringy splintering in the recessed cut.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast; sapwood is slightly lighter. Heartwood develops a deeper golden-brown patina with UV exposure and age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high rot and decay resistance due to tyloses in heartwood pores, making it water-resistant.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), and general construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot, depending on width and grain sorting.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample (5-15 years); showing surface oxidation and mechanical wear, but lacking deep historical patina or structural decay.
Sustainability Status
Abundant and sustainable; widely available with FSC certification; not listed in CITES or IUCN threatened lists.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate and can cause tear-out on figured pieces. Steam-bends well and glues/finishes excellently.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut; high tannin content can cause blue-black staining if it comes into contact with iron and moisture; contains tyloses which plug the pores.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all finishes. High-quality oils or polyurethane are recommended for durability; requires grain filling if a glass-smooth finish is desired.
Identification Confidence
Medium; identifying features like the coarse texture and color are consistent with Quercus species, though the rough cut prevents a definitive pore-structure analysis of the end grain.