White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and ring-porous with prominent, distinct growth rings and medium-to-large pores; notable medullary rays visible in quartersawn sections.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light off-white to light brown. Color tends to darken slightly and become more amber with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptionally resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses in heartwood pores which make it water-resistant.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, cooperage (wine and whiskey barrels), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut.
Wood Age Estimate
Unknown; the sample shows fresh mechanical cuts and minimal oxidation, suggesting it was recently harvested or milled.
Sustainability Status
Extensively available and sustainable; not CITES listed and classified on the IUCN Red List as species of least concern. FSC certification is common.
Workability
Excellent results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a smooth finish. High tannin content can react with iron.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic odor when wet. Contains tyloses, which plug the vessels and make the wood nearly liquid-tight. High tannin content can cause blue/black staining when in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or penetrating oils like Tung oil. Water-based finishes work well to maintain the natural color, while oil-based finishes enhance the golden/amber tones.
Identification Confidence
High; the ring-porous structure, distinct latewood/earlywood transitions, and characteristic olive-brown heartwood color are consistent with White Oak.