White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Cathedral grain with straight to irregular texture and visible large pores typical of flat-sawn oak; shows some wavy growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, though this sample appears darkened by a deep brown stain. Naturally, it has an olive-colored cast and ages to a darker amber over time.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is rot-resistant due to tyloses that plug the vessels, making it liquid-tight and highly resistant to decay and insects.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, 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 grade and widening/length.
Wood Age Estimate
Approx. 20-40 years based on the heavy oxidation of the finish and the coarse appearance of the grain typical of mid-century or late 20th-century cabinetry/furniture.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably harvested in North America with FSC certification common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools; can be prone to splintering and requires sharp blades due to high density; glues and finishes well but reacts with iron.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut; contains tyloses which make the wood water-tight; high tannin content can cause dark staining if in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or oil-based finishes; takes stains well, though large pores may require a grain filler for a perfectly smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the prominent ring-porous grain structure and 'cathedral' arching patterns are characteristic diagnostic features of Quercus (Oak) species, specifically White Oak due to the pore structure.