White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn with prominent medullary ray flecks (pith rays); generally straight grain with coarse texture; includes some cathedral arching in the flat-sawn transitions.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown. Exhibits moderate luster and will darken slightly to an amber tone over time naturally.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores that make the wood nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot for quarter-sawn select grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing; likely less than 5-10 years old based on the clean mechanical radius and absence of deep oxidation/patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available as FSC certified; considered a highly sustainable domestic hardwood.
Workability
Works well with both hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Requires sharp cutters to avoid burning. Glues and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a glass-smooth finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic acid content can cause blue-black stains if it contact iron/steel when wet; characteristic 'white oak' scent when freshly cut; presence of tyloses in pores.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wipe-on polyurethanes highlight the ray fleck figure. Avoid high-water content stains without sealing, as tannins may react.
Identification Confidence
High; the prominent medullary ray flecks visible on the quarter-sawn face and the ring-porous end grain structure are diagnostic of the Quercus genus, specifically White Oak group.