White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn or rift-sawn characteristic with prominent, elongated pores visible as fine dark lines.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter than the heartwood, though the transition is subtle. It tends to darken or yellow slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High resistance to decay and rot due to the presence of tyloses in its pores, making it more water-resistant than Red Oak.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine and whiskey barrels, interior trim, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh/modern stock. The wood shows minimal oxidation or patina, appearing as kiln-dried lumber recently surfaced.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered very sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Works well with both hand and machine tools. It has moderately high shrinkage and can react with iron (causing blue-black staining) when wet. It glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when being worked. Large medullary rays (visible when quarter-sawn) and high tannin content which allows for fuming with ammonia to darken the wood.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, oil-based varnishes, or lacquer. Stains well, though the large pores may require a grain filler if a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible pore structure, subtle olive undertones, and lack of the reddish hues typical of Red Oak are characteristic of Quercus alba.