White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Prominent cathedral grain in flat-sawn sections with coarse, open texture and visible medium-to-large pores; some straight grain visible on lower portion.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter off-white. This sample shows typical honey-gold coloration common in finished oak, which tends to amber slightly over time.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses that plug the vessels, though not as resistant to insects as some tropical species.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and widening.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing, likely 5-20 years old; shows a contemporary clear protective film finish with minor surface abrasions consistent with use as a tabletop.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'tannic' scent when worked; high tannin content can react with iron to cause black staining; contains tyloses which make it water-tight.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability on surfaces like this tabletop; penetrating oils work well to highlight the deep grain texture.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large open pores, distinct cathedral arch grain structure, and the characteristic olive-brown undertone clearly identifies this as a member of the White Oak group.