White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with characteristic large, open pores and visible medullary rays (pith rays) typical of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is near-white to light brown. This sample is finished with a medium-dark stain that accentuates the darker latewood pores. It tends to darken or amber slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent decay resistance and rot resistance due to tyloses in the heartwood which plug the vessels, making it nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 - $9.00 per board foot for select grade or better.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be from modern furniture production, likely 10-30 years old, based on the uniform thickness, modern stained finish, and lack of deep oxidation or hand-hewn marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List. Widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Commonly easy to work with machine and hand tools. It has a high shrinkage rate, so seasoned wood is essential. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though the open pores often require a grain filler for a smooth finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when being worked. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining if the wood comes into contact with iron in wet conditions. The presence of tyloses makes it unique among oaks for being waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability in high-traffic items. Oil-based stains work exceptionally well to highlight the grain. If a smooth surface is desired, a paste grain filler should be used prior to top-coating.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent ring-porous structure, visible medullary rays on the edges, and the classic cathedral grain pattern are definitive markers of White Oak.