
Most likely White Oak; alternatives include Red Oak or Ash.
Quercus alba (alternatives: Quercus rubra, Fraxinus spp.) · Hardwood; likely domestic North American.
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood; likely domestic North American.
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America, especially the Appalachian and Mississippi Valley regions.
- Hardness
- Janka approximately 1,360 lbf—Hard.
- Durability
- Durable; White Oak heartwood has good resistance to decay and weathering, with moderate insect resistance.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight, open grain with a cathedral-like flat-sawn figure and moderate ray fleck; end grain is not visible, limiting certainty.
Color & Appearance
Light tan to medium brown heartwood with paler sapwood and subdued luster. It commonly darkens slightly amber-brown with age and light.
Hardness (Janka)
Janka approximately 1,360 lbf—Hard.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable; White Oak heartwood has good resistance to decay and weathering, with moderate insect resistance.
Value & Age
Approximately $6–$12 per board foot for clear, kiln-dried White Oak; figured or premium grades cost more.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Cannot be determined from this image; the clean, pale surface appears recently milled or refinished rather than naturally aged.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, architectural millwork, barrels, boatbuilding, veneer, and general construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America, especially the Appalachian and Mississippi Valley regions.
Workability
Machines and sands well, though its open grain can show tearout and it can blunt tools moderately. Pre-drilling is recommended; gluing is generally straightforward.
Finish Recommendations
Use a penetrating oil, shellac, lacquer, or polyurethane after thorough sanding; grain filler can produce a smoother finish. Test stains because oak can absorb unevenly.
Notable Features
Prominent open pores, strong cathedral figure when flat-sawn, good strength, and characteristic oak ray fleck on quarter-sawn surfaces.