White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy grain with a medium to coarse texture. This sample shows a rift-sawn characteristic with prominent, slightly undulating rays and a uniform, vertical grain structure.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light-colored tan to nearly white. Displays moderate chatoyance and typically darkens slightly with age to a more golden brown.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to decay and rot due to tyloses in the pores, making it waterproof and resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot, depending on width and rift/quarter-sawn grading.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be relatively raw and freshly milled or sanded, likely harvested within the last 2-5 years based on the lack of deep oxidation or graying.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderate dulling effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can react with iron fasteners to cause blue/black staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content makes it suitable for fuming with ammonia to darken the color. Famous for being ring-porous with tyloses that plug the vessels.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane highlight the grain well. To maintain the light color, a water-based finish with UV inhibitors is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive ray fleck, pore structure, and characteristic 'wheat' color are classic indicators of Quercus alba.