White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with prominent ray flecks characteristic of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light white to light brown. The sample shows significant oxidation and graying due to surface grime and age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood pores which make the wood nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), cabinetry, and interior trim.
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
30-60 years based on the heavy surface oxidation, deep accumulation of grime, and wear patterns consistent with utility furniture or flooring.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) when wet.
Notable Features
Telltale 'whiskey barrel' scent when freshly cut; high tannin content; contains tyloses which block the vascular tubes, making it suitable for liquid-holding containers.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or film-forming finishes like polyurethane. Needs thorough sanding to remove surface oxidation before finishing.
Identification Confidence
High; the large, open pores and distinct ray structure visible in the grain patterns are hallmark characteristics of White Oak.