White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn and Rift-sawn with prominent medullary rays creating a "fleck" or "flake" figure. The base grain is straight and coarse-textured.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is near-white to light brown. Exhibits low luster and tends to amber/yellow 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 heartwood which plug the vascular tissue.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot (Premium for quarter-sawn stock)
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled/modern; the wood appears freshly sanded with no significant oxidation or patina, likely less than 1-2 years since construction.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; widespread and not listed on CITES or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. FSC certification is widely available.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked; high tannin content can cause dark staining if in contact with iron and moisture; contains tyloses making it waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes to highlight the ray fleck. Polyurethane for durability. Water-based finishes stay clearer, while oil-based finishes add warmth.
Identification Confidence
High; the presence of distinct medullary ray flecking on the quarter-sawn faces and the specific straw-colored hue are diagnostic of White Oak.