White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight with a coarse, uneven texture. Features prominent large rays visible as flakes when quarter-sawn and long ray flecks in this rough-milled flat-sawn sample.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden hue but turns darker over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-tight applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to slightly seasoned (~1-3 years old) based on the surface oxidation and presence of rough mill marks.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested sustainably throughout its range; FSC certified sources common.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require grain filler for smooth finishes. Contains high tannins which can react with iron.
Notable Features
Distinctive nutty scent when worked. High tannin content can cause dark staining when in contact with iron and water. Closed cellular structure makes it liquid-tight.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are ideal to highlight grain. Penetrating oils work well, though a sanding sealer or grain filler is recommended if a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible large ray flecks, ring-porous grain structure, and characteristic olive-tan coloring are definitive markers of White Oak.