White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight grain with prominent medullary rays and conspicuous large pores. Characterized by long, distinct vessel lines on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden tone and darkens slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to decay and rot due to tyloses in heartwood pores which make it nearly waterproof.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and exterior joinery.
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
Freshly milled to middle-aged industrial stock; exhibits rough-sawn surfacing and recent mechanical checking.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably managed in North America; FSC certified options common.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Requires pre-boring for screws. Can react with iron-based fasteners to cause blue/black staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content. Unique cellular structure (tyloses) makes it suitable for liquid-tight containers.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts most finishes well. Best with penetrating oils to highlight grain or high-quality polyurethanes for flooring. Use caution with water-based finishes which may cause tannin pull.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible open-pored cellular structure, characteristic light tan/olive hue, and the splintering pattern are hallmark indicators of American White Oak.