White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn or plain-sawn face with characteristic cathedral grain patterns toward the bottom and prominent earlywood/latewood growth ring differentiation.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light-colored and not clearly demarcated from heartwood in this sample. Over time, it tends to develop a deeper golden brown patina, as seen in the aged finish of this piece.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in its pores, which block the movement of water.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, barrel making (tight cooperage), boat building, interior trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years based on the oxidation of the existing lacquer/varnish finish, the specific amber color of the patina, and the signs of wear/scuffing on the surface.
Sustainability Status
Commonly available and not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. FSC certification is widely available.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has moderately high shrinkage, necessitating careful seasoning. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though the large pores may require filling for a mirror-smooth finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when cut. High tannin content can cause blue-black stains if the wood comes into contact with iron in wet conditions. Closed-pore structure makes it water-resistant.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane to highlight the grain. If a smooth surface is desired, a grain filler is recommended due to the coarse texture. Takes stains consistently.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent large pores characteristic of the Quercus genus, the specific olive-brown hue, and the cathedral grain pattern typical of North American white oak are clearly visible in the flat-sawn face grain.