White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse, with medium to large pores. The visible sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern and prominent rays typical of oak.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. In this sample, the finish has aged to a deep amber-orange tone, while wear spots reveal the lighter, straw-colored raw wood beneath.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and moisture due to tyloses in the pores.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), flooring, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and widening.
Wood Age Estimate
Approx. 30 to 60 years based on the heavy oxidation of the finish, localized surface wear, and the style of the milled piece.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; widely available with FSC certification common; not listed in CITES or IUCN Red List.
Workability
Excellent results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Gluing, staining, and finishing are generally easy, though it can react with iron fasteners causing blue staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'oaky' scent when worked; high tannin content; contains tyloses which make it water-resistant.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability; oil-based finishes highlight the grain well. The current sample shows a failing film-forming finish (likely lacquer or varnish) that requires sanding and resealing.
Identification Confidence
High; the large open pores in the earlywood combined with the visible medullary ray flecks and the specific amber aging of the finish are diagnostic for North American white oak.