White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Visible large pores characteristic of ring-porous woods. This flat-sawn sample shows some light cathedral patterning and prominent medullary rays consistent with Quercus species.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light tan to nearly white. This sample displays a very light, natural tan color with low luster, suggesting it is fresh or well-sanded.
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 it nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and veneer.
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
Recently milled or surfaced. The lack of UV oxidation or ambering suggests the wood is less than 1-2 years old since being planed.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a relatively high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability can be an issue. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can react with iron-based fasteners to cause blue/black staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. Contains high tannin content. Notable for its ring-porous structure and tyloses which provide superior water resistance compared to Red Oak.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes extremely well. Oil-based polyurethanes or penetrating oils are recommended to enhance the grain. If keeping the light color is desired, a water-based 'invisible' finish is suggested.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive large-pored ring-porous structure, color palette, and visible rays are classic indicators of North American White Oak.