White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large pore structure. Visible ray fleck on some surfaces indicating a mix of flat-sawn and rift-sawn characteristic markings.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast; sapwood is slightly lighter. Heartwood is light to medium brown and tends to darken to a richer tan over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to decay and rot due to tyloses in the heartwood which plug the pores and make it water-resistant.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, furniture, interior trim, flooring, boatbuilding, and barrel making (cooperage) for wine and spirits.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
6.00 to 10.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern kiln-dried stock, likely less than 5 years old based on clean mill marks and lack of significant oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Commonly works well with both hand and machine tools. Has high shrinkage, so it requires careful drying. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'oak' scent when being worked. High tannin content can cause iron stains if it comes into contact with steel fasteners in wet conditions.
Finish Recommendations
Takes a wide variety of finishes well, including polyurethane, oils, and lacquers. For food-contact items, mineral oil or wax is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High. The large, open pores, color consistent with the 'white' oak group (rather than 'red' oak's pinkish hues), and the visible grain configuration are characteristic of Quercus alba.