White Oak (most likely, given the pronounced ray fleck figure and ring-porous grain structure)
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack due to tyloses blocking vessel pores
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent radial rays producing visible ray flecks on quarter-sawn face; coarse, ring-porous texture with prominent saw marks visible across the rough-sawn face
Color & Appearance
Light brown to pale beige heartwood with grayish undertones; rough-sawn surface shows slight discoloration and oxidation due to raw processing state
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack due to tyloses blocking vessel pores
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $10.00 per board foot (depending on grade, thickness, and quarter-sawn cut)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern cut lumber (freshly milled/rough-sawn within past 1-5 years showing typical circular/band saw mill marks)
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available, sustainably managed in North American forests, FSC certified options commonly available
Common Uses
Furniture, hardwood flooring, cabinetry, barrel cooperage (wine/whiskey), boat building, architectural millwork, and timber framing
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Fairly good to work with; hard and dense, requires sharp tools to prevent burn marks; glues, screws, and finishes exceptionally well, though high tannin content can react with iron-based fasteners if damp
Finish Recommendations
Requires preliminary sanding to remove circular saw kerf marks. Accepts stains well; recommended finishes include wiping varnish, oil-based polyurethane, or hardwax oils to accentuate ray fleck figure
Notable Features
Tyloses in pores make it impermeable to liquids; high tannin content gives a distinct sour scent when freshly cut; prominent medullary rays create striking figure when quarter-sawn
