White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight grain with prominent ray flecks on the left edge. Shows classic coarse texture with open pores typical of the white oak group.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast. The sample shows typical tannish tones that darken slightly with age and exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses which plug the vessels.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut, likely 1-5 years post-processing based on the absence of heavy oxidation or significant patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'whiskey' scent when worked; high tannin content can cause blue-black staining if in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and lacquer. Takes stains well, though the large pores may require a filler for a glass-smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible ray flecks on the left-most edge (indicative of quarter-sawn oak) and the specific coarse pore structure are diagnostic of the Quercus genus, specifically White Oak.