White Oak (Quercus alba)
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy; medium to coarse texture with prominent, large rays typical of a rift or quarter-sawn appearance visible even in low resolution.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown. Darkens slightly with age to a more golden-brown hue.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the pores, which makes it water-resistant.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 – $10.00 per board foot (depending on cut and width)
Wood Age Estimate
Indeterminate from image; the rough surface suggests contemporary construction timber or structural lumber rather than an antique artifact.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainable; FSC certification commonly available.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can react with iron fasteners leading to staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when worked; high tannin content can cause corrosion in certain metals; presence of tyloses makes the wood waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane to highlight the grain; wood filler is recommended if a glass-smooth surface is desired due to open pores.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the color, coarse texture, and ray fleck appearance are strongly indicative of the Quercus genus, specifically White Oak over Red Oak due to the tan/olive complexion.