White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible on the face; distinct ring-porous structure with visible open pores in the earlywood.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with a slightly olive or grayish cast; sapwood is pale cream to light brown. Low luster and tends to darken/amber slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores which make the wood nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern production (within 5-20 years) based on the lack of deep oxidation or heavy patina and modern machined edges.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools; however, it has a high shrinkage rate and can be prone to splintering if tools are not sharp. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive oak scent when worked; contains high tannin levels which can react with iron to cause dark staining; ring-porous texture is very tactile.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability; oil-based finishes enhance the figure but will amber over time. Pores can be filled for a smooth glass-like finish.
Identification Confidence
High; the large open pores seen on the face grain combined with the light wheat/olive color and specific ray fleck patterns are diagnostic for White Oak.