White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, open grain with visible cathedral patterning and medium-to-coarse texture; flat-sawn orientation showing characteristic ring-porous structure.
Color Description
Naturally light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; this specific sample is stained to a medium-dark honey/walnut tone with a high-luster semi-gloss topcoat.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood pores.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, furniture, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $9.00 per board foot for Select grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (10-30 years); the profile of the raised panel door suggests contemporary kitchen cabinetry manufacturing.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably managed in North America; FSC certified options common.
Workability
Excellent results with machine and hand tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Gluing and finishing are straightforward, though the open pores often require a filler if a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'tannic' scent when worked; high tannin content can react with iron to cause dark staining; contains tyloses that make the wood waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer topcoat over a pigment stain. For this specific look, a medium brown oil-based stain followed by a semi-gloss topcoat is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High; the ring-porous structure, large vessel distributions, and classic cathedral grain visible in the flat-sawn panel are diagnostic of the Quercus genus, specifically within the White Oak group.