White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn with prominent medullary rays (tiger stripe or flake figure); straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood (enriched by stain/finish in image); sapwood is usually light tan. Tends to darken and become more amber with age and exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high tannin content provides excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insects. One of the most durable domestic hardwoods.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, flooring, cabinetry, barrel making (tight cooperage), boat building, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot for high-quality quarter-sawn stock.
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 80-120 years; based on the style of the furniture joinery, heavy oxidation of the finish, and accumulated dust/patina.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably managed in North America; FSC certified options are common.
Workability
Excellent results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'ray fleck' pattern when quarter-sawn; telltale scent when cut; high tannin content can cause dark stains if in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Traditionally finished with oil-based stains and shellac or lacquer. Modern polyurethane works well for durability. Responds excellently to 'fuming' with ammonia to darken the wood.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide, visible medullary rays on the radial surface are a diagnostic characteristic of quarter-sawn white oak, typical of early 20th-century furniture.