White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The split surface shows prominent rays and a ring-porous structure typical of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter. The sample shows graying and dark staining due to exposure and iron/tannin reactions.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay; historically used in boat building and outdoor applications due to closed tyloses in pores.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boat building, barrels/cooperage, and firewood.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot for dimensional lumber; as firewood, approximately $300-$500 per cord.
Wood Age Estimate
The log appears to be seasoned firewood, likely cut within the last 1-3 years based on the degree of oxidation and surface fungal staining.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Gluing, staining, and finishing are excellent, though it reacts with iron-based fasteners.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when wet; high tannin content causes dark staining when in contact with iron and moisture; contains tyloses which make it water-tight.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, polyurethane, or lacquer. If used for furniture, pore filler is often used to achieve a smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the coarse, ring-porous texture, light-brown color with olive cast, and the way the wood has split are highly characteristic of White Oak.