White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a porous texture. Visible medullary rays on quarter-sawn surfaces and a distinct cathedral pattern on flat-sawn pieces within the parquet tiles.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light brown to nearly white. This sample shows signs of oxidation and likely a medium-dark stain; it will typically amber and darken over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High rot resistance due to tyloses in the pores which make the wood nearly liquid-impermeable. Highly resistant to decay.
Common Uses
Flooring (specifically parquet as shown), furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut (Quarter-sawn commands a premium).
Wood Age Estimate
30-60 years. Based on the parquet pattern style, wear patterns, surface scratches, and the accumulation of debris/oxidation of the finish, this appears to be mid-20th-century residential flooring.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable. Rated as Least Concern by the IUCN; widely available across its native range with FSC certification commonly available.
Workability
Works well with both hand and machine tools. Has a moderate dulling effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) when wet due to high tannin content.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'oak' scent when worked. High tannin content makes it suitable for fuming with ammonia. Pores are plugged with tyloses, unlike Red Oak, making it suitable for water-tight applications.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or oil-based varnishes are standard for flooring. Responds well to reactive stains and fuming. Requires thorough sanding to remove existing surface contaminants seen in the image before refinishing.
Identification Confidence
High. The ring-porous structure, visible medullary rays, and the specific application as a finger-block parquet flooring are characteristic of White Oak.