White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Rift-sawn to flat-sawn transition with prominent earlywood pores and visible medullary rays; the grain is straight and coarse-textured
Color Description
Medium to dark golden brown heartwood with a yellowish cast, showing distinct darkening from oxidation and a likely amber-toned varnish or lacquer finish. Sapwood not visible in this cut but is typically light-colored
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; naturally resistant to rot and rot-producing fungi due to the presence of tyloses in the pores, which makes it water-resistant
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, cooperage (barrels), and interior trim
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot, depending on width and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 40-70 years old; indicators include the ambering of the top coat and moderate surface wear and oxidation visible in damaged areas
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available with FSC certification
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate and can be prone to splintering; glues and finishes well
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when freshly cut; reacts strongly with iron to cause blue/black staining; high concentration of medullary rays which appear as 'fleck' in quarter-sawn cuts
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based polyurethane or lacquer to highlight the grain; requires a grain filler if a glass-smooth surface is desired due to its open-pore structure
Identification Confidence
High; the large, open rays and specific pore structure visible in the grain, combined with the golden-brown oxidation, are classic characteristics of aged White Oak