White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large texture. The image shows a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn appearance with prominent ray flecks and large, open pores characteristics of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically light to medium brown, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light cream. The sample shows a warm amber patina from aging and finish; it tends to darken slightly and become more golden over time.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and veneers.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 - $9.00 per board foot for select grade.
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years based on the oxidation of the finish and deep ambering of the wood fibers.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has moderately high shrinkage values, so seasonal movement must be considered. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can react with iron fasteners to cause blue/black staining. Contains tyloses that plug vessel elements.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability; oil and wax can be used to highlight the grain and ray fleck figure.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large, open earlywood pores and the specific ray fleck pattern visible in the grain is diagnostic of White Oak.