White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large texture. The end grain shows prominent ring-porous growth with latewood pores arranged in radial rows. This specific cut is riftsawn, as evidenced by the consistent vertical grain on the face and the slight angle of the growth rings on the end grain.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter cream color and is not clearly demarcated from heartwood in this sample. Over time, it typically darkens to a more amber tone with exposure to UV.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot and water decay due to various tyloses which plug the vessels in the wood, making it suitable for liquid-tight applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on region and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern stock (less than 5 years old based on lack of significant oxidation and fresh mill marks)
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Good results with machine and hand tools. It has a moderately high shrinkage rate resulting in mediocre dimensional stability. It reacts with iron (giving off a blue/black stain) if wet. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when worked. High tannin content. It has excellent steam-bending properties. The tyloses in the pores make it waterproof compared to Red Oak.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and lacquer. Due to large pores, a grain filler may be used for a smooth glass-like finish. Pre-stain conditioner is recommended if using dark stains to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible end-grain structure with numerous small latewood pores and the characteristic riftsawn appearance with tan/olive coloring are definitive markers of the White Oak group, most likely Quercus alba.