White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly quarter-sawn with prominent medullary ray flecks; grain is straight with a coarse, uneven texture and visible ring-porous structure.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast; sapwood is much lighter and nearly white. It possesses a moderate luster and tends to darken or amber slightly with age and exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent rot and decay resistance due to the presence of tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for liquid-tight vessels and outdoor use.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrel making (cooperage), trim, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 10 years). The light color, lack of significant oxidation (graying), and sharp machine-cut edges indicate a relatively new piece of dimensional lumber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent results with both hand and machine tools. It has a tendency to react with iron (staining) when wet. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require grain filler for a glass-smooth finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content can cause dark staining if in contact with steel. Notable for tyloses which plug the vessels, making it waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes highlight the ray fleck figure. Polyurethane is recommended for high-wear areas like flooring. Iron-buffing can be used for ebonizing due to high tannins.
Identification Confidence
High. The sample clearly shows the large medullary rays and 'flake' figure characteristic of quarter-sawn White Oak, along with the distinct ring-porous end grain visible at the bottom of the piece.