White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with prominent growth rings and distinct radial medullary rays visible in the end grain; coarse texture with a straight grain characteristic of North American oaks.
Color Description
The sample displays a weathered, silvery-gray to dark charcoal-brown patina due to oxidation and fungal growth (lichen). If freshly cut, heartwood is light to medium brown; sapwood is nearly white/off-white.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores which block water conduction, making it excellent for outdoor exposure.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building, flooring, cabinetry, barrels (cooperage), and construction timber.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and thickness.
Wood Age Estimate
The timber appears to be seasoned or reclaimed, likely 5-10 years of outdoor weathering based on the lichen growth and deep graying of the surface fibers.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; widespread availability and not CITES listed. FSC certification is common for this species.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Pre-boring is recommended for nails and screws to avoid splitting.
Notable Features
Tyloses in heartwood pores make it waterproof; contains high tannin content which can react with iron to cause black staining; distinct 'acidic' scent when freshly cut.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or exterior-grade polyurethane for outdoor use. For the weathered look shown, a clear sealer can preserve the graying without further rot.
Identification Confidence
High; the end grain shows large, open earlywood pores and the unmistakable long, wide medullary rays typical of the Quercus genus, while the weathering pattern and durability suggest White Oak specifically.