White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn cathedral grain with prominent earlywood pores and a coarse, uneven texture. The image shows a classic ring-porous grain structure with slight wavy characteristics.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood with a slight olive cast. The sample appears to have a medium-dark stain or age-related patina. Typically light to medium brown heartwood and nearly white sapwood.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay; heartwood is extremely moisture resistant due to tyloses in the pores.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and thickness.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated roughly 30 to 60 years old based on the depth of the oxidation, surface wear, and the style of the finish typical of mid-20th-century furniture or flooring.
Sustainability Status
Widely available and sustainable; not CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List; commonly available with FSC certification.
Workability
Relatively easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut. High tannin content can react with iron to cause blue-black staining. Contains tyloses, making it waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based stains work well to highlight the grain. Polyurethane or lacquer is recommended for durability. Requires grain filler if a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent ring-porous structure, large earlywood pores, and 'cathedral' figure are classic indicators of Quercus species, specifically White Oak given the heartwood hue.