White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a prominent quarter-sawn figure showing distinct rays (medullary rays). The sample exhibits a rift/quarter cut appearance with visible vessel pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown. It tends to darken or yellow slightly with age and UV exposure and possesses a low to medium luster.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood which plug the vessels, making it nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern rough-cut lumber (likely less than 1-2 years old) based on the lack of deep silvering and the presence of fresh mechanical saw marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification available.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a moderate blunting effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) if wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'tannic' scent when worked. High tannin content can cause corrosion of unprotected fasteners. Known for its 'ray fleck' pattern in quarter-sawn boards.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes highlight the grain fleck well. Polyurethane or lacquer are excellent for durability. Requires careful sanding to remove rough saw marks visible in the sample.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible medullary rays, large open pores, and the yellowish-brown hue are classic diagnostic features of the White Oak group.