White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn or cathedral grain pattern characterized by prominent growth rings and earlywood pores filled with tyloses.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light tan to white and not always sharply demarcated. Tends to darken slightly over time to a more golden brown.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores, making it more water-resistant than Red Oak.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
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 sample (less than 10 years). The wood shows fresh surfacing with minimal oxidation or patina development.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability can be an issue. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, though it can react with iron fasteners (causing blue/black staining).
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when being worked. High tannin content makes it suitable for fuming with ammonia to darken the wood. Pores are plugged with tyloses, making it liquid-tight.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes beautifully. Penetrating oils or polyurethane are recommended for durability. If staining, a wood conditioner can help ensure even absorption.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent cathedral grain, coarse texture, light olive-brown hue, and visible pore structure are classic indicators of Quercus alba.