White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The image shows a flat-sawn (plain-sawn) orientation with typical cathedral patterns and prominent large, open earlywood pores visible as dark streaks.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter off-white to light brown. It tends to darken or become more golden-brown as it ages and is exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the pores, which makes the wood nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality grade
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent rough-sawn lumber, likely 1-5 years post-harvest. The rough surface indicates it has not been processed or aged as a finished piece of furniture.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
General ease of use with hand and machine tools, though it has moderate shrinkage. Notable for its excellent steam-bending properties. Reacts with iron-based fasteners to create blue/black staining due to high tannin content.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when wet. High tannin content makes it ideal for fuming with ammonia to darken the wood. Contains tyloses which block the vascular tubes and prevent water penetration.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Penetrating oils, polyurethane, and shellac are highly recommended. If staining, a wood conditioner can help achieve even color on the porous surface.
Identification Confidence
High. The ring-porous structure, characteristic olive-brown color, and rough-sawn texture are classic indicators of Quercus alba.