White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with large, deep open pores; visible ray fleck on quarter-sawn surfaces and cathedral patterns on flat-sawn faces
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is light off-white to light brown. Darkens over time toward a richer honey-brown, especially with oil-based finishes
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 impervious to liquids
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), heavy construction, and interior millwork
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears mid-century to modern (20-50 years) based on the oxidation level and the profile of the machined edge
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification
Workability
Relatively easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, but pre-boring for screws is recommended
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut; high tannin content can cause dark staining when in contact with iron and moisture; contains tyloses which make the wood waterproof
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes beautifully. Recommend oil-based polyurethane or lacquer to highlight grain. Avoid water-based finishes without a sealer to prevent tannin pull
Identification Confidence
High - The large, open pores visible on the edge grain combined with the light-olive brown color and typical ray structure are classic indicators of the Quercus genus, specifically White Oak