White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn appearance. It features prominent medullary rays and long, open pores characteristic of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter. It typically develops a more amber or honey-toned patina over time when exposed to light.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is rot-resistant and highly resistant to decay, making it suitable for boat building and outdoor applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), veneer, and high-end joinery.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on cut and thickness
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely kiln-dried and recently surfaced. No significant oxidation or hardware marks suggest an age under 5-10 years post-processing.
Sustainability Status
Commonly available and not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Gluing, staining, and finishing are generally easy, though it can react with iron-based fasteners.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut. Contains high levels of tannins which can cause staining in contact with steel. Naturally water-resistant due to tyloses in the heartwood pores.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains well. Oil-based finishes enhance the figure, while polyurethane or water-based lacquers preserve the natural light color. Pre-conditioning is usually not required.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible ray flecks, open pore structure, and characteristic light-brown-to-olive color are classic indicators of rift-sawn White Oak.