White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a prominent cathedral pattern on flat-sawn surfaces and distinct medullary rays (fleck) when quarter-sawn.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown. Finishes to a warm honey color and darkens slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores that make the wood nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, wine barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be new or reclaimed stock with minimal oxidation, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably managed with FSC certification commonly available.
Workability
Excellent results with machine and hand tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability can be an issue. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive oak scent when being worked; contains high tannin content which can react with iron to cause blue-black staining.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes extremely well. Oil-based polyurethanes or reactive oils are recommended to highlight the depth of the grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible large open pores, color palette, and vertical grain transition are classic hallmarks of the Quercus genus, specifically the White Oak group.