White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strongly porous with a straight to wavy grain. Features classic cathedral grain in flat-sawn sections and visible growth rings. High presence of tyloses in pores.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light tan or off-white. This sample shows a typical golden-brown finish with natural aging and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses that plug the vascular system, making it suitable for tight cooperage and boat building.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 – $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
5 to 15 years post-milling. Surface wear suggests use as residential flooring with a modern polyurethane finish.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification available.
Workability
Relatively easy to work with machine and hand tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability can be an issue. Reacts with iron and can cause blue-black staining if wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut. Contains high tannin content. Notable for its ring-porous structure and ability to be steam-bent.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and finishes well. Polyurethane is typically used for flooring applications like this sample. Oil-based finishes enhance the figure.
Identification Confidence
High. The ring-porous structure, color, and specific cathedral grain pattern are classic diagnostic features of Red/White Oak, with the olive cast and pore structure favoring White Oak.