White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Prominent cathedral grain with coarse texture, primarily flat-sawn with characteristic large rays and visible earlywood/latewood contrast
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden hue but can gray over time if unfinished or exposed to UV.
Hardness Rating
1,360 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, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
30-60 years based on the oxidation of the finish and the style of the panel profile
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; classified as Least Concern by IUCN; widely available with FSC certification
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate and can cause moderate blunting on cutting edges.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when worked; high tannin content can react with iron/steel to cause blue-black staining.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based varnishes are recommended for durability in high-traffic areas.
Identification Confidence
High; the open-pored cathedral grain and characteristic wheat-color with olive undertones are diagnostic for White Oak.