White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Prominent coarse grain with cathedral patterns and linear straight grain; ring-porous structure with visible latewood growth rings.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood with golden undertones; likely stained or finished with a dark pigment as seen in the deep pores. Natural sapwood is usually light tan.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores; often used for liquid-tight vessels.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, barrel making (cooperage), boat building, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut.
Wood Age Estimate
The surface shows modern finishing techniques and minimal wear, suggesting a manufactured age between 5 to 20 years.
Sustainability Status
Abundant and sustainable; not CITES listed; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent results with machine and hand tools; takes stains and finishes well, though the large pores may require a filler for a glass-smooth finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut; high tannin content can react with iron to create black stains; contains tyloses which make the wood waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability; oil-based stains are frequently used to highlight the deep, open-pore grain structure.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large vessel pores, distinctive cathedral grain flatsawn patterns, and the closed-pore anatomy typical of White Oak (vs Red Oak) is clearly visible.