White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse-textured, straight grain with large pores; rough-sawn surface shows faint cathedral patterns and diagonal saw marks.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is near-white to light gray. Tends to darken and become more golden-brown with age and UV exposure.
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), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on localized demand and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut or recently milled (less than 1 year); shows minimal oxidation and retains original light-brown/tan coloration.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; widespread and not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; FSC certification widely available.
Workability
Exceptional results with machine and hand tools; can be prone to splintering if tools are dull. High shrinkage rate necessitates careful drying. Screws and nails should be pre-drilled.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut; high tannin content can cause dark stains if it comes in contact with iron and water; contains tyloses which block the pores.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed), polyurethane, and lacquer. High tannin content also makes it an excellent candidate for fuming with ammonia.
Identification Confidence
Medium; identifying features include the characteristic light olive-brown hue, large open-pored ring-porous structure visible on the rough surface, and the presence of bark on the side edge typical of eastern hardwoods.