White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn appearance; exhibits medium to large pores and subtle ray fleck characteristic of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is slightly lighter. It tends to maintain its neutral tone but may darken slightly to an amber hue with UV exposure over time.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot due to the presence of tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on width and grain orientation (rift/quarter-sawn commands a premium).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh/modern lumber; minimal oxidation or patina visible, suggesting the sample was recently milled or surfaced within the last 1-3 years.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally good with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Pre-boring is recommended for nails and screws to avoid splitting.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked; high tannin content can cause dark staining when in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts most finishes well; oil-based finishes will deepen the color, while water-based polyurethanes help maintain the natural 'raw' look. Reactive stains can be used to create an aged appearance.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible pore structure, linear grain profile, and characteristic light-brown-to-olive color are diagnostic of North American White Oak.