White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight with a medium to coarse texture, featuring distinct rays and a porous, open-grain structure. This sample appears to be flat-sawn with some visible tangential grain patterns and prominent tyloses in the pores.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is typically white to light brown. The heartwood darkens slightly with age, becoming more golden-brown under UV exposure and finish.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses that plug the vascular system, making it suitable for water-contact applications. Good insect resistance.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (5-20 years), based on the uniform patina, modern high-gloss film finish, and lack of historical wear or deep oxidation typical of vintage antiques.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common for North American stock.
Workability
Excellent results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, though it can react with iron-based fasteners to create blue/black staining due to high tannin content.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, slightly acidic scent when being worked. High tannin content makes it ideal for fuming with ammonia. Its cellular structure is unique among oaks for being non-porous to liquids.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer (as seen in image) provides excellent protection. Works well with oil-based stains, though fine-sanding and pore-filling may be required for a glass-smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent open pores, characteristic olive-tan color, and classic grain structure are indicative of the White Oak group, likely Quercus alba.