White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn or cathedral grain pattern with prominent large pores characteristic of the ring-porous structure.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter. The sample shows significant oxidation and accumulated dirt/finish in the open pores, leading to a darker, weathered appearance with low luster.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the heartwood pores which make the wood nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Flooring (as shown), furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Common grades range from $5.00 to $9.00 per board foot; select or rift-sawn cuts can exceed $12.00.
Wood Age Estimate
30-60 years. The wear patterns, deep oxidation of the grain, and accumulation of debris in the pores suggest an older installation (likely mid-20th century domestic flooring).
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; widely available and not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machines but requires sharp tools to avoid tearout. Glues and finishes well, though it reacts with iron-based fasteners (causing blue-black staining).
Notable Features
Tends to have a distinct, tannic scent when worked. High tannin content makes it suitable for fuming with ammonia to darken the wood. Large, visible medullary rays (though mostly obscured by wear in this photo).
Finish Recommendations
Requires deep cleaning and sanding before refinishing. Oil-based polyurethanes are recommended for flooring applications to highlight the grain while providing water resistance.
Identification Confidence
High; the ring-porous structure, color with olive undertones, and specific wear pattern on narrow-plank flooring are diagnostic of North American White Oak.