White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with coarse texture; distinctive large rays and cathedral figure visible on flat-sawn faces; ring-porous structure.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter off-white to light brown; darkens slightly with age to a deeper amber.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in pores; often used for water-tight applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and cut (Quarter-sawn is more expensive).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely kiln-dried and harvested within the last 5-10 years based on consistent color and lack of deep oxidation or patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Commonly easy to work with machine and hand tools; can cause moderate dulling of cutters; glues and finishes well; reacts with iron to cause blue/black staining.
Notable Features
Tends to have a distinct, slightly acidic scent when being worked; high tannin content; tyloses make the wood pores nearly liquid-tight.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well; polyurethane and oils are common to highlight the grain; requires sanding to a high grit for best luster.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible end grain shows characteristic ring-porous growth rings and large medullary rays typical of the Quercus genus, with the color and tight pore structure pointing specifically to the White Oak group.