White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large texture. The image shows a flat-sawn or rift-sawn orientation with characteristic long, vertical rays and visible large pores typical of the ring-porous structure of oak.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light off-white to light brown. Finishes often darken to a honey or golden tone. Luster is medium and it tends to amber with age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in its pores, which makes the wood nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine 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 grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing (last 20-40 years) based on the uniform surface prep and type of finish wear, though the patina suggests it has been in use for several decades.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability can be an issue. Reacts with iron (rust-colored staining) if wet or in high humidity.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when worked. High tannin content can cause dark stains when in contact with iron. Famous for its use in aging whiskey and wine.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though large pores may require a grain filler for a glass-smooth surface. Polyurethane or oil-based varnishes are most common.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible pore structure, grain orientation, and the specific way the wood fiber has splintered in the small damage mark are classic indicators of Quercus species, specifically White Oak given the color cast.