White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight with a coarse, uneven texture. Distinctive large rays and cathedral figure visible in flat-sawn sections. Large, open pores visible in the earlywood.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light-colored, off-white to light brown. Becomes darker and more amber with age and exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-tight applications and outdoor use.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and widening.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample with contemporary finish; likely processed within the last 5-15 years based on the lack of deep oxidation and the surface texture.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Widely available and generally considered sustainable; FSC certification is common.
Workability
Good overall, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive oak scent when being worked; high tannin content can cause blue-black staining when in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, oil, or lacquer. Responds exceptionally well to fuming with ammonia to darken the wood through chemical reaction with tannins.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent large rays, ring-porous structure, and characteristic brown-olive hue are definitive markers for White Oak.