White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn with prominent medullary rays (tiger stripe figure) and straight, coarse-textured grain
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is light off-white to cream. It develops a richer amber patina with age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores that make the wood water-resistant.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrel making (tight cooperage), and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot (varies based on quarter-sawn figure quality)
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern stock (roughly 1-5 years post-processing) based on the freshness of the cut and lack of deep oxidation/patina.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; population is stable. Not CITES listed and frequently available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent with machine and hand tools, though it has high shrinkage. Responds well to steam bending. Predrilling for fasteners is necessary.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses that plug vessel elements, making it liquid-tight. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining if it reacts with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or clear polyurethane to highlight the medullary rays. Fuming with ammonia is a traditional technique to darken this species.
Identification Confidence
High; the presence of distinct butterfly-shaped medullary rays visible in the quarter-sawn orientation is a diagnostic feature of the Oak genus, and the light olive tone is characteristic of White Oak.