White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight-grained with coarse texture. The sample shows prominent rays (medullary rays) typical of the Quercus genus, appearing as small vertical dashes on this face. It shows a stable, vertical grain orientation typical of rift or quarter-sawn lumber.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter but not always sharply demarcated. Tends to darken slightly with age and develop a deeper amber hue under various finishes.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High rot and decay resistance due to tyloses in the pores which make the wood nearly liquid-tight. Good resistance to insects.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern Northern America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on width and grade (quarter-sawn command a premium).
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the drying checks (cracks) and surface oxidation, this sample appears to be air-dried or reclaimed stock, likely several years old, showing some minor weathering or exposure to shop dust/moisture.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered very sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate, but is dimensionally stable once dry. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) if wet due to high tannin content. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'tannic' scent when worked. Contains tyloses which block the vascular tubes, making it suitable for water-tight applications like wine and whiskey barrels. High tannin content makes it ideal for fuming with ammonia to darken the wood.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, oil-based finishes, or lacquer. Responds exceptionally well to 'fuming' to achieve a deep 'Mission Style' look. Stains can sometimes be blotchy; a sanding sealer is occasionally recommended.
Identification Confidence
High. The large, open pores combined with the specific arrangement of medullary rays and the characteristic olive-tan hue are classic indicators of North American White Oak.