White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight with a coarse, uneven texture. Shows prominent cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face and characteristic medullary rays (flecking) where the cut nears the radial plane. Large, open pores are visible.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter cream-to-beige but often not clearly demarcated from heartwood. It tends to darken slightly toward an amber/yellow tone with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the heartwood pores, making it suitable for water-tight applications and boat building.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, high-end flooring, barrel making (cooperage), boat building, interior trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $9.00 per board foot depending on region and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern commercial lumber, likely harvested and processed within the last 5-10 years based on the lack of oxidation patina and clean planed surfaces.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally sustainable and widely available with FSC certification options. Not CITES listed.
Workability
Good results with machine and hand tools. However, it has a high shrinkage rate and can be prone to movement. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) when wet due to high tannin content. Pre-boring is recommended for fasteners.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut. Contains tyloses in heartwood pores which prevent liquid passage. High tannin content can cause corrosion in non-stainless fasteners and staining when in contact with iron.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based finishes, polyurethane, and lacquer. Takes stains well, though the open grain may require a filler if a glass-smooth finish is desired. Fuming with ammonia is a traditional technique to darken the wood.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible large, open pore structure, distinct cathedral grain on the face, and the light olive-brown hue are classic diagnostic features of White Oak.