White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a prominent ring-porous structure; exhibits a classic cathedral pattern on flatsawn surfaces and distinct medullary rays on the end grain section shown.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter off-white to light brown. Tendency to darken slightly with age and develop a deeper patina.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the heartwood pores, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and trim work.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be salvaged or reclaimed material, potentially 30-50 years old, based on the oxidation on the end grain and the weathered, rusted fastener present in the wood.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; widely available and not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Pre-drilling is required for fasteners to avoid splitting.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when wet; contains high tannin levels which can react with iron fasteners (seen as dark staining around the screw) to create a black/blue discoloration.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are recommended for durability. If used outdoors, a UV-resistant sealer is necessary to maintain color.
Identification Confidence
High; the end-grain ring-porous structure, large medullary rays, and the specific tannic reaction (iron-gall staining) around the rusted screw are diagnostic of the Quercus genus, specifically the white oak group.