White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight with medium to coarse texture; visible large pores and prominent medullary rays consistent with quarter-sawn or rift-sawn orientation.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is slightly lighter. Tends to darken and become more amber with exposure to light and age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores that make the wood nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
6.00 to 10.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern rough-sawn lumber, likely aged 1-5 years post-harvest based on minimal oxidation and fresh saw marks.
Sustainability Status
Abundant and sustainable; classified as Least Concern by the IUCN; commonly available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent results with machine and hand tools; however, it has a high shrinkage rate and can be prone to splintering if tools are dull.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked; high tannin content can cause dark staining when in contact with iron and moisture; contains tyloses.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Recommend oil-based finishes to highlight grain or polyurethane for high-traffic surfaces like flooring.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the coarse grain, olive-brown hue, and the distinct medullary rays visible in the rough-sawn texture is diagnostic for White Oak.