White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with a medium to coarse texture; visible large pores characteristic of a ring-porous species. The image shows a flat-sawn to slightly rift-sawn orientation with some visible ray fleck patterns beginning to emerge.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light tan to nearly white. This sample shows significant darkening/patina due to age and light exposure, leaning towards a medium amber-brown.
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 which make it nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approx. $6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
30-60 years based on the depth of the oxidation, wear patterns on the grain edges, and the classic golden-brown patina typical of mid-century residential flooring.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. It has a moderately high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability is a factor. Gluing, staining, and finishing are generally excellent, though it can react with iron-based fasteners to create blue-black stains.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut. High tannin content makes it suitable for fuming with ammonia to darken the wood. Contains tyloses, which plug the vessels and make it waterproof enough for wine and whiskey barrels.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based polyurethanes or hard-wax oils are recommended to highlight the depth of the grain. If refinishing, a sealant is recommended to prevent 'tannin pull' which can discolor water-based topcoats.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible pore structure, broad medullary rays (visible as dark flecks/lines), and the specific amber oxidation color are classic diagnostic features of aged White Oak flooring.