White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong cathedral and straight grain; ring-porous structure with large, visible earlywood pores and long vessel lines; coarser texture characteristic of oak.
Color Description
Light to medium tan with a yellowish-brown hue; heartwood and sapwood show minimal contrast in this weathered state; low luster with a matte, oxidized surface.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable; excellent rot and decay resistance due to tyloses within the pores which make the wood nearly liquid-impermeable.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, tool handles (shown here), boat building, and whiskey barrels.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years based on heavy oxidation, patina buildup in the pores, and rounding of edges from handling.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and non-CITES listed; commonly FSC certified.
Workability
Resistant to steam bending but tends to be hard on tool edges; glues and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut; high tannin content can cause blue-black staining if in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes or polyurethane to enhance depth; requires sanding through grits to manage the coarse grain; wipe-on poly recommended for tool handles.
Identification Confidence
High; the large open pores, characteristic tan/beige coloring, and lack of the reddish tint found in Red Oak are definitive of White Oak.