White Oak (likely stained)
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with large, visible pores. Exhibits a flat-sawn or plain-sawn cathedral pattern on the raised panels. Classic open-grained texture characteristic of the Fagaceae family.
Color Description
Natural heartwood is light to medium brown, often with an olive cast; however, this sample has been heavily stained to a dark chocolate/espresso brown. The high-gloss topcoat provides significant luster and depth.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it nearly waterproof.
Common Uses
High-end cabinetry, interior millwork, furniture, flooring, and boatbuilding. This specific application is a raised-panel door assembly.
Geographic Origin
Eastern Northern America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot (standard grade); higher for select architectural cuts.
Wood Age Estimate
20 to 40 years. The joinery style and thick film finish suggest late 20th-century construction, though the wood itself is stable and well-seasoned.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable. Widely available and not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; frequently available as FSC certified.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools, though it has moderate shrinkage. Responds exceptionally well to steam-bending and takes stains well, despite being a dense hardwood.
Notable Features
Telltale large, open pores and ring-porous structure. Has a distinct, somewhat acidic scent when freshly cut. Contains high tannin levels which can react with iron to cause blue-black staining.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a grain filler if a glass-smooth surface is desired. This sample uses a dark pigment stain followed by a high-build polyurethane or lacquer topcoat for protection.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The visible pore structure and grain flow are diagnostic of Oak (Quercus). The dark stain obscures natural color, but the application and texture are classic for Red or White Oak, with White Oak being the premium choice for cabinetry.