White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight grain with prominent rays. The sample shows a flat-sawn or rift-sawn appearance with large, open pores typical of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden tone and may darken slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-resistant 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 $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to under 2 years old, indicated by the light color, lack of significant graying/oxidation, and rough-sawn edges.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can react with iron fasteners to produce dark blue/black stains. Ring-porous structure is highly visible.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and lacquer. High tannin content makes it an excellent candidate for fuming with ammonia or reactive stains.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible large-pore structure, color, and ray fleck appearance are classic indicators of North American White Oak.