White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a split face revealing long, stringy fibers and small knots, characteristic of a ring-porous wood with prominent growth rings.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light off-white to light brown. The sample shows significant oxidation and a grayish-tan 'weathered' patina common in aged, dry oak.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-tight applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-40 years post-harvest. The deep oxidation, splintering at the split, and dust accumulation suggest it has been air-drying in a storage environment for several decades.
Sustainability Status
Highly Sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally works well with machine tools but has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Due to high tannin content, it can react (turn blue/black) if it contacts iron when wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'tannic' or slightly acidic scent when cut. Contains tyloses which plug the vessels, making the wood strikingly resistant to liquids compared to Red Oak.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though large pores may require grain filler for a smooth glassy finish. Avoid water-based finishes without a sealer to prevent tannin pull.
Identification Confidence
High. The ring-porous structure visible in the split fibers, the characteristic olive-tan hue, and the distinct 'stringy' splintering pattern are diagnostic of the White Oak group.