White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large texture. This sample exhibits a rift-sawn or quarter-sawn appearance with prominent ray flecks and linear vessels.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden-yellow and darkens slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-contact applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on width and grading.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern stock, likely 1-5 years post-processing based on the light oxidation and clean, machined edges.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Works well with both hand and machine tools. Has a tendency to react with iron (staining) when wet. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though its open pores may require filling for a glass-smooth surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when seasoned. High tannin content can cause dark stains if in contact with steel. Contains tyloses which make the wood nearly waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability; oil and wax for a natural feel. Reactive stains (iron acetate) can be used to achieve an 'ebonized' look due to high tannin content.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible large pores, distinct rays, linear grain orientation, and characteristic 'olive' tan color are classic markers of the White Oak group.