White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a prominent cathedral pattern on the face-grain and visible medullary rays typical of quarter-sawn or rift-sawn sections.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light brown to nearly white and not always sharply demarcated from heartwood. Tends to darken slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot due to tyloses in the pores that make the wood nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, 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
Freshly milled or recently surfaced (1-2 years); shows light oxidation and sharp machine marks from a table saw/jointer.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainable; FSC certification commonly available.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause corrosion of iron fasteners (turning wood black). Large, prominent rays are a key identifier.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are recommended to highlight the grain and provide protection for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible porous structure, distinct light brown olive-cast color, and the presence of large medullary rays are definitive characteristics of the White Oak group.