White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong cathedral grain figure typical of flat-sawn lumber; texture is coarse and uneven with large, open pores and visible medullary rays.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown and is clearly demarcated. Tends to darken slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to decay and rot due to the presence of tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it nearly waterproof.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or secondary-use stock; the light color and lack of deep oxidation suggest the wood is relatively young/modern with little environmental patina.
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 results with machine and hand tools. Has a high shrinkage rate, so seasoning must be done carefully. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, though large pores may require filling.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when worked. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining if it comes into contact with iron in wet conditions. Contains tyloses that prevent liquid passage.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes highlight the grain beautifully. Polyurethane or lacquer for floors/high-wear items. Requires a grain filler if a perfectly smooth (glass) finish is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large earlywood pores, cathedral grain pattern, light olive-brown heartwood, and prominent light-colored sapwood edge is diagnostic of Quercus alba.