White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a medium to coarse texture, featuring prominent rays and a subtle cathedral pattern on the flat-sawn face.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown. This sample shows a bleached or white-washed aesthetic with low luster.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; Excellent resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to some insect attack. Distinctive tyloses in pores make it water-resistant.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, boatbuilding, cabinetry, wine barrels, veneer, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on cut and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (5-10 years) based on the contemporary white-washed finish and lack of significant oxidation or physical wear.
Sustainability Status
Extensive availability; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. FSC certification is common.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Gluing is easy provided surfaces are clean. Requires pre-boring for screws.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'whiskey' scent when worked; high tannin content can cause dark stains if in contact with iron and water; contains tyloses that make it waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based or water-based polyurethanes. This specific sample has likely been treated with a white pickling stain or a water-based finish with white pigment.
Identification Confidence
High; The visible large pore structure, presence of medullary rays, and characteristic grain flow are definitive indicators of Quercus species, specifically White Oak group.