White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight but can be coarse; characterized by large, conspicuous medullary rays which are visible as long, prominent flecks in the quarter-sawn end grain shown. Ring-porous structure with tight growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light-colored. The sample shows typical silvery-gray oxidation on the surface with golden-brown tones where freshly exposed.
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 the wood nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The boards appear to be air-dried or kiln-dried stock, likely harvested within the last 1-3 years based on the surface oxidation and the presence of typical drying checks/cracks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in 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. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) if wet. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic odor when worked. Contains high tannin content. Notable for 'tyloses' which plug the vessels, making it suitable for water-tight applications unlike Red Oak.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the grain. Due to high tannins, a sealer may be used to prevent 'bleeding' if using water-based finishes.
Identification Confidence
High; the end-grain anatomy showing distinct medullary rays, ring-porous structure, and the characteristic olive-brown heartwood color are definitive markers for White Oak.