White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows prominent radial rays (medullary rays) typical of the Quercus genus, appearing as horizontal flecks or streaks across the vertical grain.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light off-white to light brown and not always sharply demarcated from heartwood. It tends to darken or amber slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it nearly waterproof; moderately resistant to insects.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, furniture, interior trim, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut/worked (weeks to months). The presence of bark at the base and the bright, unoxidized appearance of the cut surfaces suggest recently harvested timber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage value, so dimensional stability is a factor. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when worked. High tannin content can cause dark stains if the wood comes into contact with iron in wet conditions.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or drying oils (tung/linseed) to highlight grain, or polyurethane for high-wear protection. Responds well to fuming with ammonia to darken the color naturally.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible large pores, prominent medullary rays, and characteristic light-brown 'wheat' color are textbook indicators of White Oak.
Notes
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