White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong cathedral and wavy figure with a coarse, open-textured grain. The sample shows a flat-sawn face with prominent growth rings and some ray fleck starting to appear in the undulating sections.
Color Description
Light to medium tan heartwood with a yellowish-brown undertone. The sapwood is slightly lighter. This sample shows a very pale, raw appearance that will deepen to a rich golden-amber over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High rot and decay resistance due to tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-contact applications.
Common Uses
Flooring, high-end furniture, cabinetry, boat building, barrel making (cooperage), and millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on region and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or surfaced. The lack of oxidation and clean, light color suggests the board was surfaced within the last 12 months.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable. Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools, though it has a moderate dulling effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes very well. Pre-boring is recommended for screws to avoid splitting.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut. High tannin content can react with iron to produce blue-black stains. Contains tyloses which make the wood nearly liquid-proof.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide range of finishes. Penetrating oils or polyurethanes are common. To maintain the raw look seen in the photo, a 'raw wood' or white-pigmented oil is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High. The large, open pores arranged in distinct growth rings, the characteristic tan-wheat color, and the specific texture of the grain are hallmarks of the Quercus genus, specifically the white oak group.