White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a flat-sawn cathedral figure visible; ring-porous structure with prominent rays
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light off-white to light brown. Finishes to a warm honey tone; darkens slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores that make the wood nearly liquid-tight.
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
Relatively fresh cut or recently sanded; shows light oxidation and a pale, clean patina consistent with modern stock.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent results with machine and hand tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability can be an issue. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) if wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked; contains high tannin content; tyloses block the vascular tubes making it waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are common to highlight the grain. Avoid water-based finishes without a sealer to prevent tannin pull.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible large earlywood pores, light olive-brown hue, and classic cathedral grain pattern are characteristic of North American White Oak.