White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Rift-sawn to quarter-sawn straight grain with prominent, visible growth rings and slight medium-to-coarse texture.
Color Description
Light to medium tan or light brown. Sapwood is typically narrow and off-white. The heartwood darkens to a richer golden brown over time and with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses which plug the vessels.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (within 1-5 years), showing minimal oxidation and a fresh-milled appearance.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable and FSC certified.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has high shrinkage. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when wet; contains high levels of tyloses making it waterproof; can react with iron to form dark stains.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane highlight the grain; shellac or lacquer are also effective. Pores may require filling if a glass-smooth finish is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the open-pored ring-porous structure combined with the specific light-tan coloration and straight rift-sawn grain is characteristic of North American White Oak.