White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight with a coarse texture; presents characteristic cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces and prominent ray flecks on quarter-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light off-white to light brown. Finishes to a warm honey tone and darkens slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; known for excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores which make the wood nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), and heavy construction.
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
Roughly 1-5 years post-processing based on surface oxidation and minimal wear on the planed surface.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably harvested in North America; FSC certification common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools. Good gluing and finishing properties, though it has high shrinkage; requires pre-boring for screws.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when wet; high tannin content can cause blue-black staining if in contact with iron in wet conditions.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and lacquer. Takes stains evenly, though natural finishes are preferred to highlight ray fleck figure.
Identification Confidence
High; the open-pored coarse texture, distinct growth rings, and characteristic yellowish-tan color are hallmark indicators of Quercus alba.