White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn cathedral grain with prominent growth rings and irregular patterns around a large knot. Displays typical ring-porous texture.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; creamy white to light brown sapwood. Low luster and tends to amber/darken slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High resistance to decay and rot due to tyloses in the pores; often used for boat building and tight cooperage.
Common Uses
Flooring, cabinetry, furniture, interior trim, boat building, wine/whiskey barrels, and construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern lumber, likely dried within the last 5-10 years based on surface oxidation and current mill marks.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; Least Concern (IUCN). Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Works well with machine and hand tools. High shrinkage rate makes dimensional stability a concern. Reacts with iron fasteners to cause blue/black staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. Contains tyloses which make the wood waterproof. Can cause skin and respiratory irritation in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are common to highlight the grain. Avoid water-based finishes without a sealer to prevent tannin pull.
Identification Confidence
High; the large rays (visible even in flat sawn), color hue, and ring-porous structure are characteristic of the White Oak group.