White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn to rift-sawn orientation with characteristic open pores and prominent growth rings.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter than the heartwood. It maintains a medium luster and typically darkens slightly to a more golden brown over time.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-tight applications.
Common Uses
Flooring, cabinetry, fine furniture, boat building, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be roughly 20-40 years old based on the oxidation, the style of the milled profile, and the visible nail holes suggesting it was reclaimed from prior architectural use.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered highly sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. It has moderately high shrinkage values, so dimensional stability is a factor. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause dark staining if the wood comes into contact with iron in wet conditions. Pores are plugged with tyloses, unlike Red Oak.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability in high-traffic areas; oil-based finishes highlight the grain well. Penetrating sealers are recommended for outdoor use.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible pore structure, color tone (lacking the reddish hue of Quercus rubra), and the grain behavior are classic indicators of North American White Oak.