White Oak (Stained)
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong cathedral grain and prominent rays typical of flat-sawn oak. The texture is coarse and open-pored, with visible large earlywood pores.
Color Description
Natural heartwood is light to medium brown, often with an olive cast. This specific sample appears to have a medium-brown stain applied, enhancing the contrast in the grain. Sapwood is typically light off-white.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores which make the wood nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Flooring, cabinetry, furniture, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern Northern America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot (standard lumber); $8.00 - $15.00 per square foot for finished flooring.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern production; appears to be a new flooring or cabinetry sample with a contemporary factory finish.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; widely available and not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Workability
Excellent results with machine and hand tools. It has moderately high shrinkage and takes stains and finishes well, though the large pores may require filling for a smooth glass-like finish.
Notable Features
Tends to have a distinct, slightly acidic scent when being worked. High tannin content can cause the wood to react with iron fasteners, creating dark blue/black stains.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are ideal for durability. Because it is open-pored, it accepts stains readily, though pigment can settle deeply in the grain as seen in this sample.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive large vessel pores and prominent medullary rays visible in the grain pattern are classic diagnostic markers for the Quercus genus, specifically White Oak group based on the tightness of the pores.