White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy with prominent cathedral figure on flat-sawn surfaces; coarse texture with large pores and visible medullary rays.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is nearly white to light tan. It tends to darken slightly and shift toward more amber tones with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses that plug the vessels, making it liquid-tight and suitable for exterior use.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/Freshly milled; light color and lack of oxidation suggest the sample is relatively new, likely under 1-2 years since processing.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably managed in North America; FSC certification is common.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked; high tannin content can cause blue-black staining if in contact with iron and moisture; excellent strength and rot resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, oil-based varnishes, or shellac. It takes stains very well, though the large pores may require a grain filler for a glass-smooth finish.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic cathedral grain, light olive-brown hue, and coarse ring-porous structure are classic indicators of North American White Oak.