White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Course, straight grain with large-pored ring-porous structure and prominent medullary rays (visible as flakes on quarter-sawn surfaces)
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast; sapwood is light off-white to light brown. Darkens slightly over time with a golden-yellow patina.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot due to tyloses that plug the vessels, making it liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $5.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be freshly or recently split branch/log sections (under 2 years), indicated by the intact, rough bark and lack of significant oxidation on the fresh split.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent results with machine and hand tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability is average. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) when wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content makes it susceptible to staining when in contact with iron fasteners. Very tight cell structure.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oils are common. Note that water-based finishes can sometimes cause tannin pull/discoloration without a sealer.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the deeply furrowed bark texture, the ring-porous grain structure visible on the split face, and the overall color are characteristic of Quercus alba.