White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn with prominent medullary rays (flecking); straight grain with a medium to coarse texture.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden hue over time.
Hardness Rating
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores that make it nearly waterproof.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot for quarter-sawn stock.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely processed within the last 5-10 years based on surfacing and limited oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern; abundant and widely available with FSC certification common. Not listed in CITES.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, though pre-boring for screws is recommended.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'tannic' scent when worked. High tannin content can react with iron to cause dark staining. Extremely stable when quarter-sawn.
Finish Recommendations
Responds best to oil-based finishes that highlight the medullary rays. Polyurethane or lacquer are excellent for durability.
Identification Confidence
High; the prominent medullary ray flecks and color are classic indicators of quarter-sawn White Oak.