White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight/Rift-sawn appearance with coarse texture. Shows characteristic subtle ray fleck and some pinkish surface markings from lumber mill identification.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with a slight olive cast; sapwood is nearly white to light brown. Darkens slightly with age to a rich golden brown.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to heartwood rot and decay due to tyloses in pores; high water resistance.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on region and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled/S4S stock; likely kiln-dried and processed within the last 12 months.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent results with machine and hand tools. Good gluing and finishing properties; pre-drilling recommended for screws. High shrinkage requires careful drying.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when cut. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) when wet. Contains tyloses that plug vessel elements, making it liquid-tight.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or penetrating oils are popular. Avoid iron-based stains unless a blackened effect is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the color tone, coarse texture, and characteristic large pores visible at the end grain corner are diagnostic of the Quercus genus, with color and grain suggesting White Oak.