White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows prominent medullary rays and ring-porous structure typical of the Quercus genus, appearing as large, open pores in the earlywood.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter and not clearly demarcated from the heartwood. It tends to darken or yellow slightly over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High rot and decay resistance due to tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-tight applications and outdoor use.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrel making (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 10 years). Visible machine saw marks and lack of deep oxidation/patina suggest relatively fresh lumber.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally sustainable and widely available with FSC certification often available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a moderate dulling effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when wet. High tannin content can cause blue/black staining when in contact with iron in wet conditions. Features tyloses that clog the pores, making it liquid-tight.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, polyurethane, or lacquer. Stains very well, though the large pores may require a grain filler for a perfectly smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High. The ring-porous structure, color, and very prominent medullary rays visible in the radial section are characteristic of White Oak.